You’re standing in the middle of Rome, grabbing a gelato near a set of ancient stone walls, and suddenly your phone pings. You haven't taken a flight or a train, but technically, you’ve just crossed an international border. Most people think of Italy as one giant, boot-shaped monolith of pasta, history, and high fashion. But honestly, it's more like a Swiss cheese of sovereignty.
So, what countries are in Italy? Basically, there are two.
We’re talking about Vatican City and San Marino. These aren't just neighborhoods with fancy names or autonomous zones like you might find in other parts of the world. They are fully independent, sovereign nations with their own flags, stamps, and even their own laws—despite being entirely surrounded by Italian soil.
It’s a quirk of history that feels like a glitch in the matrix. How did these tiny spots manage to survive while the rest of the peninsula unified into the modern Italian state back in the 1800s? It comes down to a mix of religious power, stubborn mountain geography, and some very clever diplomacy.
The World's Smallest Powerhouse: Vatican City
If you're looking for the heavy hitter, it’s Vatican City. It’s the smallest country on the planet, both by size and population. We’re talking about 100 acres—basically the size of a large city park. You could walk across the entire country in about twenty minutes if you didn't get stopped by the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica.
It’s an absolute monarchy, which is wild to think about in the 21st century. The Pope isn't just a religious leader; he's the king of this tiny patch of land. This setup wasn't always the case, though. For centuries, the "Papal States" covered a massive chunk of central Italy. When the Kingdom of Italy was being formed in the 1860s, the Italian army basically snatched up all that land. The Pope at the time, Pius IX, wasn't thrilled. He retreated behind the Vatican walls and called himself a "prisoner."
This awkward standoff lasted for nearly 60 years until the Lateran Treaty of 1929. Basically, Italy agreed to let the Vatican be its own country so the Church could stay neutral in world politics.
What makes it a real country?
- Sovereignty: They have their own gendarmerie (police) and the famous Swiss Guard.
- Currency: They use the Euro, but they mint their own versions with the Pope's face on them. Collectors go nuts for these.
- Language: Latin is still an official language here. Imagine trying to order a coffee in Latin.
The Mountaintop Republic: San Marino
While everyone knows the Vatican, San Marino is the one that usually catches travelers off guard. It’s tucked away in the Apennine Mountains near the Adriatic coast. If the Vatican is a religious fortress, San Marino is a medieval time capsule.
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It claims to be the oldest republic in the world, founded way back in 301 AD by a stonemason named Marinus. He was fleeing religious persecution and figured a steep mountain was a good place to hide. Turns out, he was right. San Marino is basically a giant rock—Mount Titano—with three massive towers perched on the edge of cliffs.
Why is it still its own country?
You’ve got to wonder why Italy didn't just absorb it. During the 19th-century unification (the Risorgimento), San Marino did something smart. They gave refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hero of Italian unification, when he was on the run. Because they helped him out, Garibaldi respected their wish to stay independent.
Today, it’s a wealthy, quirky place. They have two "Captains Regent" who lead the country, but only for six months at a time. It’s a way to make sure nobody gets too powerful. Honestly, more countries should probably try that.
Living on the Edge: Enclaves and Exclaves
Technically, these two are enclaves—countries entirely surrounded by another country. But Italy has an even weirder situation called Campione d'Italia.
This is an exclave. It’s a tiny piece of Italy that is physically located inside Switzerland. To get there from Italy, you have to drive through Swiss territory. It’s a mess of logistics. They use Swiss francs but pay Italian taxes, and their phone system is a hybrid. If you're looking for what countries are in Italy, you won't find Switzerland inside Italy, but you will find Italy inside Switzerland. Geography is weird.
Mapping the Borders
If you're planning a trip to see these spots, don't worry about your passport too much. Because of the Schengen Agreement (and specific treaties with Italy), there are no hard border checks.
- Entering the Vatican: You just walk into St. Peter's Square. The "border" is literally a white line painted on the ground.
- Entering San Marino: You’ll drive past a sign that says "Welcome to the Ancient Land of Liberty." That’s it. If you want a passport stamp, you actually have to go to the tourist office and pay a few Euros for it.
The "Other" Borders: Italy's Neighbors
While we’re talking about borders, it's easy to forget that Italy shares land boundaries with four other major nations. These aren't inside Italy, but they define the northern rim of the "boot."
- France: The border runs through the top of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco). There’s a long-standing argument about exactly where the line sits on the summit.
- Switzerland: The longest border, winding through the high Alps.
- Austria: A rugged mountain border defined after World War I.
- Slovenia: To the northeast, where the culture blends Italian and Slavic influences.
Practical Insights for Your Next Trip
If you’re heading to Italy and want to "country hop" without a plane ticket, here is how to handle it like an expert.
Don't skip San Marino for the beach. Most people go to Rimini (the nearby coastal city) and never look up. Take the bus or the cable car up to the City of San Marino. The views of the Adriatic are insane, and the tax-free shopping is a nice perk. Just remember, they have their own laws—don't assume everything that's legal in Italy is legal there.
Vatican timing is everything. If you want to see the Vatican, do not just show up. The line for the museums can be three hours long. Book a "skip the line" ticket or go on a Wednesday morning if you want to see the Pope during his general audience. Also, dress code matters. No short skirts or bare shoulders, or the guards will turn you away at the door of the Basilica.
Watch your data roaming. This is a pro tip. Even though there are no physical borders, your phone might suddenly think you're in a "non-EU" country when you're in San Marino. Check your roaming plan so you don't get hit with a $50 bill for checking Google Maps on the mountain.
Next Steps for the Curious Traveler
- Check your passport: If you aren't an EU citizen, make sure your Schengen visa covers enough days to account for these "extra" stops.
- Book the Scavi Tour: This is a hidden gem in the Vatican. It takes you underneath the Basilica to the ancient Roman necropolis. You have to email the Ufficio Scavi months in advance.
- Visit the San Marino Towers: Hike the path between the three towers. It’s one of the most underrated walks in Europe and gives you a 360-degree view of two different countries at once.
Italy is more than just one country. It’s a collection of historic survivals and religious centers that managed to hold onto their identity while the world changed around them. Whether you're there for the history of the Papacy or the medieval charm of the world's oldest republic, standing in an enclave is a reminder of how messy and fascinating human borders really are.