Vatican City travel tips
Vatican City travel tips: Smallest independent state, spiritual heart of Catholicism, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope, rich in history and art.
Main Parts 🌎
Vatican City travel tips. Here is a list of all the main parts of the Vatican City.
Vatican City State
E. P. of Holy See
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Vatican City
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 VA,
ISO alpha-3 VAT
Currency
Badge | Euro
CODE | EUR
NUMBER | 978
SYMBOL | €
FRACTION | Penny
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +379
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks |
Location
Vatican City is a landlocked city-state located within the city of Rome, Italy. It is situated on the west bank of the Tiber River, and is surrounded by the Italian city of Rome on all sides except for its border with Italy, which is marked by a wall. Vatican City covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), making it the smallest country in the world both in terms of land area and population.
Currency
The currency in Vatican City is the Euro (EUR).
The Vatican adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002.
Before that, the currency used was the Vatican Lira.
Languages
The official language of Vatican City is Italian.
In addition to Italian, other languages are spoken in Vatican City due to the presence of staff of different nationalities and ethnic origins. Some of the languages spoken in the Vatican are:
Latin: although it is no longer a commonly spoken language in daily life, Latin is still an official language of the Catholic Church and is used in official ceremonies and documents.
English: it is one of the most common languages among foreign staff working in the Vatican, as well as among visitors.
French: it is also a common language in the Vatican due to the presence of French staff and visitors.
German: is the mother tongue of the current Pope Francis and is spoken by many of the German visitors and workers.
Spanish: it is spoken by many visitors and workers from Latin America and Spain.
Portuguese: it is also spoken by some visitors and workers from Brazil and Portugal.
Climate 🌡
Since Vatican City is located within the city of Rome, it has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average temperature in winter (December to February) is around 12°C (54°F), while the average temperature in summer (June to August) is around 28°C (82°F). Spring and autumn are usually mild with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F).
Rainfall in Vatican City is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, although the wettest months are usually November and December. Snow is rare in Vatican City, but it can occur in winter months, although it usually melts quickly. The climate in Vatican City is generally pleasant and comfortable throughout the year, making it a popular tourist destination.
Vatican City travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Vatican City, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Dress modestly:
Vatican City is a religious site, so wear attire that covers shoulders and knees when visiting.
Climb St. Peter’s Dome:
Enjoy panoramic views of Rome by climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome.
Vatican Gardens tour:
Discover the lush greenery and historical significance on a guided Vatican Gardens tour.
Attend a Papal audience:
Experience the spiritual atmosphere by attending a Papal audience or Mass if possible.
Transportation:
Efficient public transport via buses and metro, or walk to major attractions. Limited traffic due to the city’s compact size. View Guide.
Check Vatican City events:
Plan your visit around special events or liturgical celebrations.
Visit Vatican Library:
Explore the Vatican Library’s treasures with a guided tour.
Enjoy your time in Vatican City!
The best of the best
Vatican City is a small city-state, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine.
Pizza
Pizza is a popular food in Vatican City, as it is in Italy. The traditional thin crust pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil is a favorite.
Pasta
Pasta is another staple of Italian cuisine and is commonly served in Vatican City. Some popular pasta dishes include spaghetti carbonara, penne alla vodka, and lasagna.
Gelato
Gelato is a traditional Italian dessert, similar to ice cream, that is often served in Vatican City.
Some of the typical foods of Vatican City include:
Cannoli: Cannoli is a popular Italian pastry that is often served as a dessert in Vatican City. It consists of a crisp pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling.
Coffee: Coffee is an important part of Italian culture, and Vatican City is no exception. Espresso, cappuccino, and latte are all popular coffee drinks that can be found in cafes and restaurants throughout the city-state.
Overall, the cuisine in Vatican City is similar to that of Italy, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes.
Transportation 🚥
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Useful Links ✅
