Vatican City State Railway: The Secret Train System of the Holy See
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is known for its rich history and religious significance. However, not many people know that it also has a secret railway system that runs under the city-state. Vatican City State Railway is an exclusive train service that operates within the walls of Vatican City and connects it to Italy’s national rail network.
The idea of having a private railway system for Vatican City was conceived during the papacy of Pope Pius XI in 1929 when he signed the Lateran Treaty with Italy, which established Vatican City as an independent state. The treaty granted sovereignty to the Holy See over a small territory in Rome and also allowed for construction of new infrastructure within its borders. One such project was building a railway line connecting Vatican City directly to Italian rail networks.
Construction on this ambitious project began in 1932 and took three years to complete. The railway line spans just over one mile (1.6 km) from Stazione di Roma San Pietro (St. Peter’s Station) outside Vatican City to Stazione Vaticana inside its walls. It comprises two tracks – one for passenger trains and another for freight trains – both running underground through tunnels beneath Rome’s streets.
Vatican City State Railway is not open to public use but serves solely as means of transportation for Pope Francis, other members of the Holy See, and privileged guests invited by them like heads of states or VIPs visiting Rome on official occasions.
The train service uses two carriages – one reserved exclusively for passengers while another used primarily as luggage storage space – pulled by diesel locomotives painted entirely white with gold trimmings bearing coat-of-arms representing Vatican flags or Papal insignia depicting crossed keys symbolising Christ’s power over Heaven and Earth.
Inside each carriage are luxurious upholstered seats designed explicitly for comfort while travelling at high speeds underground. The interiors are decorated with frescoes and mosaics depicting religious scenes. The passenger carriage is also equipped with an altar, where Mass can be celebrated during the journey.
The Vatican City State Railway has its own station inside the walls of Vatican City, called Stazione Vaticana, which is one of the smallest stations in the world. It houses a small ticket office, waiting room and platform just long enough to accommodate two carriages of the train service. However, there are no barriers or security checks at this station as it only serves designated passengers who all undergo background checks before they’re allowed on board.
One of the most famous trips taken by Pope Francis on Vatican City State Railway was in 2015 when he travelled to Castel Gandolfo to visit his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for lunch. This was a historic moment as it marked the first time since 1417 that two popes were alive concurrently.
Despite being kept secret from public eyes, Vatican City State Railway has been featured in several movies and TV shows over years – including Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons” – due to its mystique and exclusivity.
In conclusion, Vatican City State Railway is another unique feature that makes Vatican City stand out amongst other countries worldwide. With its luxurious carriages designed explicitly for comfort and decorated with religious artistry coupled with exclusive access limited solely to Holy See officials or approved guests make it one of the most secretive yet fascinating railway systems globally that will continue intriguing people for centuries to come.