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Vatican Post Office

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Vatican Post (Poste Vaticane) is the state postal administration of Vatican City and is considered one of the most efficient postal systems in the world. It was founded following the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929 and joined the Universal Postal Union in the same year. The post office operates several counters, with the headquarters located right next to St. Peter's Basilica. A special feature is the issuance of the Vatican's own postage stamps, which are highly sought after by collectors worldwide and can only be used for mail posted within Vatican City. Millions of letters and postcards are sent annually through the Vatican system, often by tourists who appreciate the reliability and the unique postmark. Despite the small size of the state, the post office maintains its own fleet of vehicles and distinctive yellow mailboxes.

Location: Vatican City, Vatican
Top sights: Maderno Fountain · St. Pellegrino Gate · Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Vatican Post Office is open to the public and can be visited inside. It sells stamps and gives postal services for tourists and locals.

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Typical hours

Opening hours are typically Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 18:30. On Sundays the post office is usually closed.

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Photography

Photography at the counter area is usually allowed. Be careful not to photograph people without their consent.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you want to buy stamps or send postcards, allow a few extra minutes.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Postal Museum. The Vatican Pharmacy is also just a few steps away.

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Getting there

The post office is located in Vatican City near St. Peter's Basilica. The entrance is accessible from Via di Porta Angelica.

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Insider tip

Buy a few of the famous Vatican stamps as souvenirs. Send a postcard from here to get the special Vatican postmark.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90300, 12.45700

Facts

The first Vatican stamp was issued on August 1, 1929.
Vatican City sends more mail per capita than any other country.
There are four post office branches within Vatican City.
Mailboxes in the Vatican are yellow, while in Italy they are red.
The post has been a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1929.
A mobile post office is frequently located in St. Peter's Square.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vatican Publishing House (LEV)<1 km · SExplore →

Palazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →

Medaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →

Flaminio3 km · NExplore →

Porta Pia3 km · EExplore →

Colosseum3 km · SEExplore →

Gianicolense4 km · SExplore →

Farnesina4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Vatican Post Office (10)

Maderno Fountain

Fountain on St. Peter's Square, part of Carlo Maderno's design.

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St. Pellegrino Gate

Gate in Vatican City, providing access to the Vatican Gardens.

Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

Church in Rome, dedicated to Saints Martin and Sebastian.

Window of the Pope's study

Window in the Apostolic Palace from which the Pope gives blessings.

Portone di Bronzo

Bronze door of the Apostolic Palace, main entrance to the papal apartments.

Vatican Obelisk

Egyptian red granite obelisk, located on St. Peter's Square in Rome.

Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms

Parish church of Vatican City, serving the papal employees.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Four rooms in the Palace of the Vatican, painted by Raphael and his workshop 1509-1524.

Arch of the Bells

Archway in Vatican City, marking the entrance to St. Peter's Square.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Vatican stamps in Rome?

No, Vatican stamps are only valid if mailed from within Vatican City.

Where can I find the post offices?

There are locations in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums, and near St. Anne's Gate.

Is the Vatican post reliable?

Yes, it is often considered faster and more reliable than the Italian national post.

Are there collector coins available?

Yes, the Philatelic and Numismatic Office sells special coins and sets there.

What color are the mailboxes?

Mailboxes in the Vatican are yellow, unlike the red ones found in Italy.

Vatican Post Office: where is it located?

Vatican Post Office is located in Vatican City, Vatican.

Vatican Post Office: what is there to see?

Highlights include Maderno Fountain, St. Pellegrino Gate, Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss.

Vatican Post Office: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Vatican Post Office: why is it worth visiting?

The Vatican Post (Poste Vaticane) is the state postal administration of Vatican City and is considered one of the most efficient postal systems in the world.

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