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Casino of Pius IV

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Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)

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The Casino of Pius IV, often called the Casina Pio IV, is a jewel of Late Renaissance architecture tucked away within the Vatican Gardens. Commissioned in 1558 by Pope Paul IV and completed by architect Pirro Ligorio for Pope Pius IV, it stands as a prime example of the Mannerist style. The villa is composed of two main buildings facing each other across an elliptical courtyard, which is adorned with fountains, statues, and intricate pebble mosaics. The exterior surfaces are heavily decorated with stucco reliefs depicting mythological figures and classical motifs, reflecting the humanistic interests of the period. Originally built as a 'pleasure house' for summer retreat and intellectual discourse, its design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Since 1936, it has served as the headquarters for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, hosting Nobel laureates and leading global researchers. The interior features significant frescoes by artists such as Federico Barocci and Santi di Tito, making it not only a scientific hub but also an artistic treasure of the Vatican state.

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 Casino of Pius IV is a magnificent villa in the Vatican Gardens, now housing the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The interior is not open to the public, but the exterior can be seen during a Vatican Gardens tour.
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Typical hours
No public visiting hours for the interior. The gardens tour passes by the villa at scheduled times, typically in the morning on select days.
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Photography
Photography of the exterior is allowed from the gardens during the tour. Do not attempt to photograph the interior or enter the building.
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Time needed
Viewing the exterior takes about 10 minutes during the gardens tour. The entire tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
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Combine with
The villa is part of the Vatican Gardens tour; combine with other garden highlights like the Lourdes Grotto and the Palazzina. Also visit the nearby Vatican Museums.
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Getting there
Only accessible via the Vatican Gardens guided tour. The tour departs from the Vatican Information Office; pre-booking is essential.
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Insider tip
Observe the Mannerist architectural details on the facade, including grotesque masks and stuccoes. Bring binoculars to see the upper decorations better.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90360, 12.45160

Facts

  • Built between 1558 and 1561
  • Designed by the architect Pirro Ligorio
  • Headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
  • Features a unique elliptical courtyard with fountains
  • Interior frescoes were painted by Federico Barocci
  • Commissioned initially by Pope Paul IV

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Casino of Pius IV (10)

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a 16th-century villa.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, site of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Cupola di San Pietro

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica, a landmark of Rome.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering panoramic views of Rome.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Museum with wall maps of Italy and papal territories in the Vatican Museums.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the largest churches in the world.

Sistine Chapel

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

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Casina di Pio IV house today?
It is the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Can you visit the interior?
The interior is normally not open to the public, except during special events.
Where is the building located?
It is located in the middle of the Vatican Gardens.
Who was the architect?
Pirro Ligorio designed this late Renaissance masterpiece around 1558.
Why is the facade famous?
It is richly decorated with stucco work, statues, and ancient mosaics.
Casino of Pius IV: where is it located?
Casino of Pius IV is located in Vatican.
Casino of Pius IV: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pius IV House, St Mary's Church, Vatican Hill.
Casino of Pius IV: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Casino of Pius IV: why is it worth visiting?
The Casino of Pius IV, often called the Casina Pio IV, is a jewel of Late Renaissance architecture tucked away within the Vatican Gardens.
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History & landmarks

Bunker Access — Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Vatican City Railway Station — Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.

Nature

Radio Tower Hill Rise — Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)
Radio Tower Hill Rise
A distinct rise in the terrain, on which the radio transmitter tower of Vatican Radio stands.
Sunken Moss Bank — Casino of Pius IV (Vatican)
Sunken Moss Bank
A shaded section of the embankment near the western city wall.

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A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
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