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Casina Pio IV Plateau

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Landmark
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Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)

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The Casina Pio IV Plateau in the heart of the Vatican Gardens is an artificially leveled surface hosting one of the most significant architectural complexes of the late Renaissance. Originally situated on a natural outcrop of the Vatican Hill, the terrain was reshaped in the 16th century under Pope Paul IV and his successor Pius IV to accommodate the magnificent villa and its courtyard. Architect Pirro Ligorio utilized the plateau's slight elevation to create an ensemble radiating harmony between nature and architecture. The plateau is surrounded by dense groves and fountain systems that cool the microclimate and generate a secluded atmosphere. Today, this area is the seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and serves as a meeting point for international scholars. The plateau's topography allows for excellent symmetry of the buildings while offering protection from the surrounding steeper slopes.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The plateau is the landscaped plain surrounding the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican Gardens. It is accessible only as part of a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens, offering views of the villa.
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Typical hours
No separate opening hours for the plateau; it is included in the Vatican Gardens tour schedule. Tours run select days, typically in the morning.
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Photography
Photography from the plateau is permitted and has great views of the Casina Pio IV facade. Avoid using flash as it may disturb other visitors.
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Time needed
The plateau is part of the gardens tour; the stop lasts about 15 minutes. The entire gardens tour is around 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine with the interior of the Casina Pio IV (if accessible on tour) and the Vatican Gardens. Also walk to the nearby St. Peter's Dome for panoramic views.
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Getting there
Access via the Vatican Gardens guided tour only, starting from the Vatican Information Office. Book in advance online or at the office.
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Insider tip
Stand on the plateau to photograph the Casina Pio IV from its best angle. The landscaping changes with seasons so visit in spring for flowers.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90300, 12.45350

Facts

  • The Casina was constructed between 1558 and 1562.
  • The plateau is located in a protected hollow of the upper garden.
  • Pirro Ligorio integrated ancient motifs into the plateau's layout.
  • The subsoil was secured with massive foundations in the tuff rock.
  • The courtyard fountain is a central element of the ensemble.
  • The plateau offers views of the rear of St. Peter's Basilica.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Greek Cross HallGreek Cross Hall<1 km · EExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Casina Pio IV Plateau (10)

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00♿

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Vatican Palace, painted by Raphael 1509-1524.

💶

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop St. Peter's dome, offering panoramic views of Rome.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:30-17:00♿

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, a landmark of Vatican City.

♿

Saint Peter's Basilica

Major church in Vatican City, built over Saint Peter's tomb.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, painted by Michelangelo.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Map-filled art museum in the Vatican, with 16th-century frescoes.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, serving the Ethiopian Christian community.

Arch of the Bells

Gateway on the north side of St. Peter's Square, entrance to Vatican.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Casina Pio IV?
A magnificent Renaissance building, seat of the Academy of Sciences.
Can you visit the plateau?
Exterior viewings are part of the Vatican Garden tours.
Who designed the Casina?
The architect Pirro Ligorio designed it in the 16th century.
What is special about the facade?
It is richly decorated with stucco work and classical reliefs.
Is the building still used today?
Yes, it serves as a meeting place for international scientists.
Casina Pio IV Plateau: where is it located?
Casina Pio IV Plateau is located in Vatican.
Casina Pio IV Plateau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Dome of Saint Peter.
Casina Pio IV Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Casina Pio IV Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Casina Pio IV Plateau in the heart of the Vatican Gardens is an artificially leveled surface hosting one of the most significant architectural complexes of the late Renaissance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Bunker Access — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Typography Street — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican Fire Station — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Vatican City Railway Station — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
St. Peter&#39;s Square — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Postal Service Square — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Oven Square — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.

Nature

Fountain of the Sacrament Pond — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Fountain of the Sacrament Pond
An artificial basin that collects the water for the Fountain of the Sacrament.

More places

Storage Annex — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
Canons&#39; Palace — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
San Damaso Courtyard — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
Palace of Leo XIII — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Palace of the Sacristy — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.
Governatorato Palace — Casina Pio IV Plateau (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.