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Cycad Collection

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wildlife
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Cycad Collection (Vatican)

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The Cycad Collection in the Vatican Gardens is a botanically significant group of plants often referred to as living fossils. These species belong to one of the oldest extant plant groups in the world and have changed very little morphologically since the age of the dinosaurs. Over time, the Vatican has assembled a major collection of specimens from various continents, including rare species from Africa and Australia. Caring for these slow-growing plants requires patience and specific knowledge of their soil and light requirements. Architecturally, they are positioned within the gardens to act as monumental solitary specimens, enhancing the exotic character of the grounds. The collection also serves research purposes and contributes to the preservation of endangered species that are often threatened in the wild. Their robust, feathery fronds lend a prehistoric atmosphere to the area. Each year, the plants are carefully fertilized and inspected for parasites, as they are particularly susceptible to certain types of scale insects. This section is a vital part of the papal commitment to global biodiversity.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Cycads are evergreen and thus interesting at any time of year. The best time to visit is in spring and summer when some species produce new fronds.
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Best time of day
Cycads are always present, but in the morning the colors of the fronds are most vivid in the soft light. Late afternoon light is also good for photographs.
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Etiquette
Do not touch the cycads as some species have toxic parts. Stay on the paths and avoid removing soil or stones from the roots.
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What to bring
A magnifying glass or macro camera is great for studying the detailed cones and fronds. Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended when walking through the collection.
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Getting there
The cycad collection is located in the Vatican Gardens, which can only be visited on a guided tour. Tickets must be booked in advance through the official Vatican website.
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What to expect
Cycads grow extremely slowly - take time to study the old specimens. Each trunk tells a decades-long story and deserves a quiet moment.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90420, 12.44980

Facts

  • Cycads have existed for approximately 280 million years
  • The Cycas revoluta species is a prominent member of the collection
  • Some specimens in the Vatican are over 100 years old
  • Propagation often takes place via seeds in the Vatican greenhouses
  • Cycads are toxic, which protects them from many natural herbivores
  • They require well-drained soil to prevent root rot

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Porta PiaPorta Pia4 km · EExplore →
PrimavallePrimavalle4 km · NWExplore →

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 Cycad Collection (10)

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, site of St. Peter's Basilica.

Lourdes Grotto

Building in Vatican City, a replica of the Lourdes grotto.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Vatican Art Gallery🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Museo Gregoriano Profano🏛 museum

Museum in Vatican City.

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

Church building in Rome, Italy.

Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of the Vatican City.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City, a tower.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are cycads?
They are ancient plants that resemble palms but botanically belong to gymnosperms.
Are there very old specimens there?
Yes, some cycads grow extremely slowly and are already several decades old.
Are they outdoors in winter?
Most are outdoors but are protected during severe frost.
Can you touch the leaves?
No, the leaves are often very hard and sharp; please keep your distance.
Where does the collection come from?
It was built up over a long time through purchases and botanical donations.
Cycad Collection: where is it located?
Cycad Collection is located in Vatican.
Cycad Collection: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vatican Hill, Lourdes Grotto, St Mary's Church.
Cycad Collection: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Cycad Collection: why is it worth visiting?
The Cycad Collection in the Vatican Gardens is a botanically significant group of plants often referred to as living fossils.
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History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Vatican City Heliport — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Bunker Access — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Vatican City Railway Station — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Vatican Radio — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Vatican Radio
Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Holy See, established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi.

Nature

Eagle Fountain Pond — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Eagle Fountain Pond
An artificial water basin that is part of the monumental 17th-century Eagle Fountain.
Colle Vaticano Summit — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Colle Vaticano Summit
This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.
Sunken Moss Bank — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Sunken Moss Bank
A shaded section of the embankment near the western city wall.

More places

Ethiopian College — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Palace of Leo XIII — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Governatorato Palace — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Tower of San Giovanni — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Gallery of Maps — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
San Carlo Palace — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Canons&#39; Palace — Cycad Collection (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.