Vatican City: Facts, History and How to Visit the World’s Smallest State (2026)

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, and it sits entirely inside Rome. In one morning you can cross its border on foot, stand in St. Peter’s Square and step into one of the largest churches in the world. Below, this guide explains what the Vatican is, how it works and how to plan a visit.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Vatican City at a glance

What Vatican City is, and how it differs from the Holy See

First, two names often get mixed up. On one hand, the Holy See is the central government of the Catholic Church, led by the pope as bishop of Rome. Vatican City State, by contrast, is the small territory that guarantees the Holy See its independence. The Holy See holds diplomatic relations with other countries, while Vatican City is the physical state that houses it.

The state came into being on February 11, 1929, when the Holy See and Italy signed the Lateran Treaty. As a result, that agreement settled the “Roman Question”, open since Italy took Rome in 1870. Today, the pope holds full legislative, executive and judicial power, so Vatican City is often described as an elective absolute monarchy. To understand how a new pope is chosen, read our guide to the papal conclave.

Vatican City in numbers

In fact, the territory is tiny. According to the official Vatican City State website (checked September 2026), it covers 0.44 square kilometers. It includes St. Peter’s Square up to the marble strip at the edge of the colonnade, and it has five guarded entrances.

Similarly, the population is very small. The same official site counts 882 residents at December 31, 2024, both citizens and non-citizens (checked September 2026). In addition, it lists 673 citizens, many of whom hold citizenship because of their role, not by birth. Several Holy See offices also sit outside the walls, in buildings in Rome that enjoy special status under the Lateran Treaty.

Who protects the pope: the Swiss Guard

The Pontifical Swiss Guard has served the popes since 1506. Its members are Swiss Catholic men, and their striped uniforms in blue, red and yellow are one of the most photographed sights in the Vatican. As a result, you will see them at the entrances next to the basilica. Meanwhile, the Vatican Gendarmerie handles ordinary policing, and the Italian police manage security checks at the basilica entrance.

How to visit Vatican City

St. Peter’s Square and Basilica

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. According to the official basilica website (checked September 2026), it opens from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and security checks start in the right-hand colonnade of the square. The dress code is strict: long trousers for men, skirts below the knee or trousers for women, and covered shoulders for everyone. In addition, the climb to the dome has its own ticket and hours. For details, read our guide to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums hold one of the largest art collections in the world, and the visit ends in the Sistine Chapel. However, tickets sell out on busy days, so book early. Our guide to Vatican Museums tickets explains the options.

Getting there

First, the nearest metro stop is Ottaviano, on line A, about a 10-minute walk from the square. Many buses also stop nearby. Alternatively, walk from Castel Sant’Angelo along Via della Conciliazione, which opens straight onto the dome.

Tips for a smooth Vatican City visit

• Go early. Above all, lines at the basilica security checks grow through the morning.
• Dress for the basilica. For example, carry a scarf or light layer if you wear shorts or a sleeveless top.
• Check the calendar. Papal ceremonies and audiences can close parts of the square or the basilica.
• Split the day. The museums and the basilica together fill most of a day, so plan lunch in the Prati neighborhood nearby.

For more on the rest of the city, see our Rome travel guide and the Easter in Rome guide, a busy time at the Vatican.

Vatican tours worth considering

Above all, a guide helps you make sense of the museums and the basilica. Options include a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour and a St. Peter’s Basilica and dome tour. Also, compare the best tours in Rome for a first visit.

Vatican City: frequently asked questions

Do you need a passport to enter Vatican City?

No. Visitors walk in from Rome without border checks, although security screening applies at the basilica and the museums.

How big is Vatican City?

It covers 0.44 square kilometers, or 44 hectares, according to the official Vatican City State website.

How many people live in Vatican City?

The official state website counted 882 residents at the end of 2024, including citizens and non-citizens.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica free?

Yes, entry is free. You pay only for the dome climb, timed-entry bookings or guided tours.

When did Vatican City become a country?

On February 11, 1929, when the Holy See and Italy signed the Lateran Treaty.