World's Smallest Railway (Is More Interesting Than You Think)

Get Our E-Book! We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our first-ever e-book: a curated compilation of 100 Railways Explained scripts, filled with insights, facts, and rail stories from across the globe. If you love our videos, you’ll definitely enjoy reading it. https://payhip.com/b/mTDPX Support Us & Get Exclusive Benefits: Become a member on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and more: https://www.patreon.com/c/railways_explained Join our YouTube membership to support the channel and get special perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGq3OyOoLPYj4Oyk1DWnKxQ/join Donate via PayPal: PayPal.Me/railwaysexplained Check out our official merch and show your love for all things railway: https://railways-explained.creator-spring.com/ Though small in scale, the Vatican Railway stands as a powerful symbol of faith, sovereignty, and connection — linking the world’s smallest state to the wider world for nearly a century. Its construction began in 1929, shortly after the signing of the Lateran Treaty — an agreement between Pope Pius XI and the Italian government that formally recognized the Vatican as an independent state. From its origins as a diplomatic expression of independence, to hosting popes, transporting relics, surviving wartime, and now serving as a unique cultural attraction, this 1.3-kilometer line carries far more history and curiosity than its modest length suggests. Speaking of length, this unique little network consists of just two short stretches of track, each about 300 meters long, along with two freight sidings — adding up to a total length of roughly 1.27 kilometers. The entire system includes only one station: Vatican City Station, which connects to Rome’s San Pietro Station via a short viaduct, linking the Vatican directly to the rest of the Italian railway network. Despite being physically small, this railway really has an interesting meaning — and its not only about religion — it illustrates how even small railways can carry big stories. Subscribe for more in-depth railway stories and analyses from around the world. Big thanks to our Patrons: Walid, Mind K, An Oni Moose, Julian Baumann, Hendrik Hinrichs, Robert P. Walsh, Xosé F. Estrada, Mårten Hammarstrand, Lucas Richter, Korawich Kavee, Alex Zaslavsky, Ben M, Nathan Walls, Bill, Tim McKeoun, August Bigelow, Brendan McKeon, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Reinforcedconcrete, Alex McDonald, Martin Pelles, Alice Conalbi, Declan Crowley, Martin Hinge, William Rohe Follow us on Social Networks: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RailwaysExplained/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/railways_explained/