If you’re planning a trip to the Holy See, you might want to know some interesting facts about the Vatican City. For starters, it’s the smallest nation in the world. This means that it has no hospitals, prisons, embassies, or telephone systems. It also doesn’t have a national flag or license plates. However, it does have a national football team. Read on to discover more fun facts about vatican city.

While there is no standing army, there is a Swiss Guard, which was initially hired as mercenaries. The Swiss Guard has been guarding the Pope for centuries and is easily identifiable by its multi-coloured striped uniform. In addition to defending the Pope, the Swiss Guard is the only sovereign country to have its own stamp. The Vatican also stamps its own coins, including the EUR1 coin featuring a portrait of the current Pope.

While it’s impossible to visit the Vatican without visiting the Pope’s residence, you can still witness an Angelus service from the window of a papal apartment. This is a surprisingly moving experience, and you’ll need to be at St. Peter’s Square at least thirty minutes before the service begins. Be sure to line up for security, too. The Vatican is home to the largest gravestone in the world – St Peter’s Basilica and Tomb. Finished in 1626, the basilica is the seat of the Catholic Church.

Although there’s only a small population in the Vatican, the area is full of tourists. The Vatican City also experiences a high rate of petty crime, mainly relating to tourists and visitors. It’s common to see pickpockets in the famous square of St. Peter’s, which contains many priceless artifacts. There are 101 tombs of former Popes in the Vatican cemetery. Queen Christina of Sweden converted to Catholicism, while James Stuart, a pretender to the British crown, is buried there.

The Roman Republic was the first to use the word “Ager Vaticanus” to refer to this particular neighbourhood and the surrounding territory of the city. The name originates from an Etruscan town that was once called Vaticum. The obelisk that had stood in the centre of the square now has a decidedly Catholic appearance. In the year 1586, it was relocated from its original location. Emperor Caligula was the one who initially brought it to this location in the year 37 AD. It is about the same size as six football fields put together.

The territory of Italy extends outward from the Vatican City on all sides. In point of fact, it is the tiniest nation in the entire planet. It is completely encircled by Rome. In spite of the fact that its small size may give the impression that it is remote and mysterious, it has a significant amount of cultural and artistic offerings. If you find yourself in the mood for a vacation, make it a point to schedule some time to explore the city. You’ll be glad you did! When you get to the location, make it a point to learn as much as you can and to ask from the locals.