Welcome to Vatican City

Just across the street from the historic heart of Rome, Vatican City is the world’s tiniest country – and yet holds a lifetime of treasures.

Some of the world’s most renowned art pieces are housed within the Vatican Museums. Don’t miss the centerpiece of the Vatican – St. Peter’s Basilica – the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Palace, the Museum of Secular Art, the Vatican Gardens, the Egyptian Museum, the Vatican Library or the Museum of Sacred Art. Plan for several days in this sovereign state if you want to see everything.

Unique Facts

• Vatican City owns a telescope in Arizona because it has become increasingly difficult to see the night sky through the Vatican’s Observatory, due to light pollution in Rome.
• The world’s shortest railway is in Vatican City. It has two 984-foot-long tracks and one station and is used primarily for importation and for ceremonial purposes.
• Vatican City is the world’s only UNESCO World Heritage country.
• Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with a 2-mile border within the city of Rome. That makes it about one-eighth the size of Central Park in New York City.
• The Vatican Library – part of the Vatican Museums – houses one of the world’s largest book collections, in particular the largest archive of Latin, Greek and Hebrew texts.

Language

Vatican City’s official languages are Italian and Latin.

When To Go

The best time to go to Vatican City is May through October.

Airports

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stay of up to 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Vatican City: Measles and routine vaccinations. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types F and L. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Euro

Getting Around

Most visitors join a tour or walk around on their own.

Driver’s License

n/a

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy to the Holy See
Via Sallustiana, 49
00162 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 06-575-8346

Local Visitor Info

http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 113
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 115

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Vatican City. The crimes are mainly petty theft. Take standard safety precautions. Do not leave belongings unattended.