The Vatican City – The Smallest Country In Europe

It might surprise you to learn that the smallest country in Europe is no bigger than 110 acres (0.2 square miles) with a population of just over 800 people. This is The Vatican City, a landlocked sovereign state which is located in Rome. This is the official smallest country in Europe, and is so small in fact that many of us would not think it was a country at all to look at.

The Vatican City – the smallest country in Europe – was established by the ‘Lateran Treaty’ in 1929 and is where the Pope resides. Despite being the smallest country in Europe, The Vatican City is nevertheless a popular tourist attraction and has many things to see and do. Of course many people will travel to see the Pope and it is a common pilgrimage as the centre of Catholicism. Meanwhile though, many others will travel to The Vatican City in order to admire St Peter’s Square and Basilica. The square also contains an Obelisk taken from Heliopolis, Egypt, as well as a fountain.

Exploring the Basilica is a highly interesting experience and there is a lot of fantastic architecture on display, while the interior is filled with statues and other items. It is possible also to travel to the top of the Basilica’s dome by heading up hundreds of stairs, which will afford you a fantastic view over all of the smallest country in Europe as well as wider Rome.

The Smallest Country In Europe

Another great thing to see when visiting The Vatican City, the smallest country in Europe, is the Vatican museum. This is a huge museum that has a vast range of religious paintings, statues and sculptures. It’s here that you can see the Sistine Chapel with Michaelangelo’s greatest works including the creation of Adam. A great way to make the most of your trip is to visit the museum in the evening (you can book online) which creates a more scenic and romantic experience.

For the next smallest country in Europe, you’ll need to visit Monaco – which is just 0.75 square miles across. This is closely followed by San Marion (24 square miles), Liechtenstein (62 square miles), Malta (122 square miles) and then Andorra (180 square miles).

Related posts: