Postage stamps and postal history of Vatican City

The Vatican postal collection documents stamp history since 1929 with issues featuring religious imagery, papal likenesses, and church buildings. The offices and displays are located within the museum complex and show the range of these special releases.

After the Lateran Treaty of 1929, the Vatican established its postal system and released its first stamps featuring Pope Pius XI and heraldic symbols. These origins laid the groundwork for a continuous postal history that continues today.

The stamps display religious subjects, papal portraits, and church buildings that reflect the life of the Catholic Church. Visitors see visually how the Vatican celebrates its faith and important moments through these designs.

Visitors can purchase stamps, send mail, and use postal services at the post office located in the Courtyard of Cuirasses within the museum complex. The facility is easily accessible during a regular museum visit.

The Vatican postal system processes more letters per capita than any other country in the world. Many Romans prefer to send their mail through this service rather than through the Italian system.

GPS coordinates: 41.90429,12.45619

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03