Why visit
Vatican City is a capital and sovereign state within Rome, centered on St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Catholic administration.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Vatican City is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Vatican City. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Vatican City, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Vatican City better matches the trip style.
Vatican City at a glance
City population
800
Elevation
75 m
246 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Vatican
Airport
FCO
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (nearest, serving Rome)
Founded
1929 (Lateran Treaty)
Getting around
Rome Metro line A (Ottaviano) stops nearby; the state itself is walkable in minutes
Signature dish
Roman classics in the surrounding Borgo: carbonara, supplì
Neighborhoods for travelers
St. Peter's SquareVatican Museums quarterBorgo (just outside the walls)
Vatican City at a glance
Country center
41.9°, 12.4°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
0 km²
0 mi²
Country population
800
1,818/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+3906698
Languages
Italian, Latin
Demonym
Vatican
Internet
.va
UN
Member state
ISO code
VA / VAT
Where in the world
41.9° - 12.4°
Vatican City
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Vatican City became an independent state through the Lateran Treaty in 1929.
- The Vatican Museums contain the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was painted by Michelangelo.
- The Vatican has its own railway: at about 300 m, it is the shortest national rail system in the world.
- Vatican City, at 0.49 km², is the smallest independent state in the world.
- The Vatican has its own diplomatic service (the Holy See) that maintains relations with 180+ countries.
Bordering Vatican City
Traveler notes
- St. Peter's Square is Bernini's grand civic space
- The Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums route
- The dome climb gives a strong view over Rome
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Vatican City
What currency is used in Vatican City?
Vatican City uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Vatican City?
The primary languages are Italian and Latin.
What is the international calling code for Vatican City?
The calling code is +3906698.
When is the best time to visit Vatican City?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Vatican City?
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (nearest, serving Rome) (IATA: FCO).
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