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Central Garage (Autoparco)
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Landmark
The Autoparco, the central garage of the Vatican, is responsible for the maintenance and provision of all state vehicles. This includes not only the Pope's official state cars, the famous Popemobiles, but also vehicles for the gendarmerie, the fire department, and various dicasteries. The facility features modern workshops where specialized mechanics ensure the safety and operational readiness of the fleet. Many of the vehicles are donations from major automakers and require specific technical expertise, particularly for armored models. The Autoparco also manages the logistics for the Holy Father's travels within Italy. It is located in a functional building complex in the northern part of Vatican City. The efficiency of this service is fundamental to the mobility and protocol procedures of the city-state.
- Location: Vatican
- Top sights: Vatican Hill · St Mary's Church · Lourdes Grotto
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
Visiting
The Central Garage (Autoparco) is not open to the public - you can only view it from the outside. You may spot vehicles like the popemobile from a distance.
Typical hours
There are no regular visiting hours for tourists, as this is a restricted area. Typically, the gates remain closed and only authorized vehicles enter.
Photography
Photography from the outside is allowed, but avoid taking close-up shots through the gates. Do not photograph security personnel or sensitive vehicles.
Time needed
A short stop of about 10 minutes is enough to view the exterior. Do not allocate more than 15 minutes, as there is no interior visit.
Combine with
Combine this visit with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, just a few minutes' walk away. St. Peter's Square is also nearby.
Getting there
The Autoparco is located inside Vatican City, reachable on foot from St. Peter's Square. Follow the wall along Via della Conciliazione northwards.
Insider tip
If you're lucky, you might see a popemobile entering or exiting - often early in the morning. Keep an eye out for uniformed drivers.
Geography
Facts
- The Autoparco also manages the historical carriages within the papal collections.
- Vatican state vehicle license plates begin with SCV (Stato della Città del Vaticano).
- Private vehicles of employees carry license plates starting with CV.
- Mechanics are often specialized in electric vehicle maintenance as the Vatican promotes sustainability.
- The most famous vehicle in the fleet is the white, open-top Popemobile used for audiences.
- There is an internal gas station and car wash exclusively for these vehicles.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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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Sights in the town Central Garage (Autoparco) (10)
Pius IV House
Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Cupola di San Pietro
Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Dome of Saint Peter
Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering a viewpoint.
Saint Peter's Basilica
Church in Vatican City, one of the largest Christian churches.
St John's Tower🗼 tower
Building in Vatican City.
Porta Pertusa
Building in Rome, Italy.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Autoparco?
The central vehicle fleet and workshop of the Vatican.
Can the garage be visited?
No, it is an internal service area.
Are the Popemobiles serviced there?
Yes, the Autoparco is responsible for the maintenance of all Vatican vehicles.
Are there vintage cars there?
Historical vehicles are mostly in the Carriage Pavilion of the museum.
Can one park there?
Only for authorized vehicles with Vatican plates.
Central Garage (Autoparco): where is it located?
Central Garage (Autoparco) is located in Vatican.
Central Garage (Autoparco): what is there to see?
Highlights include Vatican Hill, St Mary's Church, Lourdes Grotto.
Central Garage (Autoparco): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Central Garage (Autoparco): why is it worth visiting?
The Autoparco, the central garage of the Vatican, is responsible for the maintenance and provision of all state vehicles.
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Eagle Fountain Pond
An artificial water basin that is part of the monumental 17th-century Eagle Fountain.
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