IN THE HEART OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Vatican City is an independent state located in the heart of the Italian capital. It serves as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope. Spanning only 44 hectares, the Vatican is the smallest state in the world, yet its influence on global politics, religion, and even culture and art is disproportionately large relative to its size.

From History to the Future

The history of Vatican City dates back to the early days of Christianity. According to legend, St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, was crucified in this area, and the first St. Peter's Cathedral was built over his tomb. In the fourteenth century, popes began to consider Avignon in France as their residence, but they returned to Rome in 1377, which strengthened the power of the papacy. In 1929, the Lateran Agreement was signed between the Holy See and Italy, putting an end to lengthy conflicts and establishing the Vatican as an independent state.

Today, Vatican City serves as the spiritual centre for more than a billion Catholics worldwide. As the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope plays a crucial role in shaping Church policy and engaging with other religions. His messages and decisions hold significant importance for Catholics and influence social and political matters.

The Vatican is actively involved in international politics. It holds observer status at the UN and maintains diplomatic relations with numerous states, including Azerbaijan. In this context, both political interaction and humanitarian cooperation—especially with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation—are upheld at a commendable level.

Vatican City is renowned for its unique architecture and historical monuments. St. Peter's Square, framed by Bernini's Colonnade, serves as a venue for mass worship and public events. The colonnade comprises 284 columns and 88 pylons that create a grand curve symbolizing the embrace that St. Peter offers to the faithful. This architectural composition forms an impressive entrance to the square and is an essential part of the overall ensemble of St. Peter's Basilica.

However, the main attraction is the cathedral itself, one of the most magnificent temples of Christianity, celebrated for its domed architecture and opulent interiors. The dome, designed by Michelangelo, ranks among the highest points in Rome and is one of the largest in the world. Inside the cathedral are many masterpieces, including Michelangelo's Pieta, a statue depicting Mary holding the body of Christ. This work is unique as it is the only sculpture by Michelangelo that bears his signature. It is displayed in a protective case within one section of the cathedral to guard against damage and destruction.

The cathedral also hosts many significant ceremonies, including papal coronations and important religious events. Underneath it lie catacombs and ancient tombs, including that of St. Peter, making it a vital pilgrimage site for Catholics. St. Peter's Cathedral attracts over 7 million tourists and pilgrims each year, serving as a hub of spiritual life and culture.

Entry to the cathedral is free; however, visitors may need to wait in long lines. Some online platforms, including the official Vatican website, offer tickets (ranging from 20 to 30 euros) that allow entry without queuing. Although the lines may appear dauntingly long, they generally move quickly, typically taking no longer than 1 to 1.5 hours—despite aggregator websites sometimes spreading exaggerated claims that visitors could wait half a day.

Unique Guards

In certain areas of the Vatican, military personnel in elaborate uniforms can be seen. These are the Swiss Guards, famous for their rich history and traditions. Established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, their role is to protect the Pope and ensure security within the state.

Originally composed of Swiss mercenaries known for their military skill and loyalty, there are currently 135 members of the Guard who hold Swiss citizenship and are Catholics. To join, candidates must complete specialized training courses that include military instruction and church ethics.

The Guardsmen are recognized by their brightly coloured uniforms adorned with distinctive stripes and coat of arms. Their attire dates back to the early sixteenth century and has remained unchanged since then. The coat of arms features the colours of the Swiss flag (red and white) along with symbols associated with the papacy.

In addition to their daily duties, the Guards also partake in official ceremonies and celebrations such as coronations and masses. Guardsmen commit to serve for life unless dismissed.

Interesting Facts

With its area covering only 44 hectares, Vatican City stands as the smallest independent state in existence. Its permanent population consists of approximately 800 individuals, most of whom are priests and church administrative staff.

Statistics reveal that due to its extremely small population, it has one of the highest crime rates per capita. Most crimes are minor offences or pickpocketing incidents committed by tourists themselves.

Additionally, residents of Vatican City are known for their high wine consumption: per capita consumption ranks as the highest globally—up to 74 litres per year. This statistic reflects both the small population size and the substantial quantity of wine used in religious rituals.

Latin is recognised as the official language of Vatican City—the only country in the world to have Latin as its official tongue—and there exists an ATM that operates in Latin. However, Italian is predominantly used in daily life.

Pope Francis actively engages with followers through social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to convey messages.

The Vatican houses extensive archives known as the Vatican Secret Archives, which contain documents spanning over twelve centuries of history. It is also home to one of the most valuable coins: the Vatican Ducat, issued since 1929 featuring the Pope on its obverse; this ducat fetched $5.8 million at auction in 2011.

Vatican City has its own post office recognized among philatelists; certain stamps released by the Vatican have become true rarities.

Notably, no taxes are imposed on residents here, rendering this state unique in that regard.

It is also important to mention the papal train utilized for transporting the pontiff between Vatican City and other Italian cities.

Moreover, the Sistine Chapel—where conclaves are held—is renowned for its frescoes, which rank among the most celebrated artistic works globally.

Most Visited Museums

Each year, Vatican City attracts millions of tourists; its museums are among the most visited in the world. Remarkably, these museums receive approximately 20-25 thousand visitors daily. The collection includes over 70 thousand works of art by renowned masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Giotto, and Caravaggio.

The Vatican libraries boast the largest manuscript collection globally—more than 1.1 million books and 75,000 manuscripts—including some of the oldest known biblical texts. The extensive art collection encompasses not only paintings but also sculptures and antiquities.

Pricing information regarding works of art in Vatican City and its museums is not always publicly accessible. The Vatican does not sell its collections as they constitute part of its cultural and religious heritage; however, estimates regarding some works' values can be made based on factors such as historical significance, condition, authorship, etc. Occasionally, pieces from private collections associated with Vatican may surface at auctions where their prices become known; for example, works by Raphael or Michelangelo can sell for millions of dollars.

Speculation surrounds the golden throne on which the Pope sits. Some sources suggest that this throne weighs approximately 310 pounds (about 140 kg) and could be valued at around $6.4 million. However, experts assert that its value derives not merely from its material composition but rather from its association with Vatican City and the Pope—this connection constitutes its primary worth.

To avoid crowds, it is advisable to visit attractions either early or late in the day during mid-week or winter months when Rome's tourist season is less intense. Admission to St. Peter's Basilica itself is free; generally, several ticket options are available (up to 75 euros) granting access (including no-entry tickets, guided tours, and combination tickets). The least expensive option costs 31 euros; this ticket provides queue-free entry to museums and is therefore quite popular. Tickets for Vatican Museums are consistently in high demand; thus booking them months ahead of your intended visit date is recommended to avert last-minute disappointments or sold-out dates. Remember: entry to Vatican Museums is entirely free on the last Sunday of each month.

Additionally, a strict dress code applies when visiting these sites: modest clothing is recommended. Knees should be covered (no shorts or skirts above mid-thigh), shoulders should be covered (no sleeveless tops or tank tops), revealing attire should be avoided, stomachs must remain covered, and hats or caps should be removed. Visitors who do not adhere to these requirements may be denied entry.

Top Masterpieces

A week is insufficient to fully explore the Vatican Museum Complex. This complex comprises 54 museums and galleries spanning 1,400 halls housing around 70,000 works of art. From the 15th century onward, popes began actively collecting art pieces that formed the foundation for modern Vatican museums.

To optimize time spent at these venues, experts recommend focusing on key attractions: The Sistine Chapel is famous for its ceiling adorned with more than 500 frescoes by Michelangelo—including his renowned "Creation of Adam." This chapel also features frescoes depicting The Last Judgment on its altar wall and holds significant religious importance as a sacred site for papal conclaves.

Raphael's Stanzas consist of four interconnected rooms showcasing splendid frescoes addressing themes of religion, philosophy, and poetry. Visitors can observe how Raphael's style contrasts with that of his rival Michelangelo.

The Pinacoteca Gallery boasts Renaissance and Baroque art spanning from the 12th to 15th centuries; here you can view Giotto's unique Triptych of Stafaneschi alongside Raphael's famous Transfiguration painting representing Christ's ascension.

The Museo Pio-Clementino stands as the largest among Vatican museums featuring diverse artworks sourced from Pope Julius II's personal collections dating back to the 18th century. The Rotunda Hall houses Nero's Bathtub made from purple porphyry alongside famous ancient Roman sculptures like Apollo of Belvedere and Belvedere Torso.

The Bramante Staircase showcases a double spiral staircase designed by Donato Bramante; while access to its original structure remains restricted, visitors may view it from above along with a replica crafted by Giuseppe Momo housed within Museo Pio-Clementino.

The Map Gallery on the second floor consists of 40 large maps representing Italy's regions commissioned by Gregory XIII in 1581—these maps are exceptional for their geographical accuracy.

Do not miss a visit to Vatican Gardens covering 57 acres filled with fountains, statues, and diverse flora. Purchasing a map of Vatican Museums is advisable for easy navigation throughout this grand complex.

Due to limited infrastructure within Vatican City stemming from its small area, there are no restaurants or hotels; however numerous eateries, cafes, and accommodations abound nearby in Rome catering to tourists and pilgrims visiting this unique state—many are within walking distance from Vatican City making them convenient options for visitors.

Vatican City transcends being merely a religious centre; it embodies a distinct cultural, historical, and political phenomenon whose influence reaches far beyond its modest size while continuing to play an essential role in millions' lives globally. The Vatican draws tourists, explorers, and believers eager to explore its rich history and significance.