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Domus Sanctae Marthae

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Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)

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The Domus Sanctae Marthae is a modern guest house located within Vatican City, completed in 1996 under the direction of Pope John Paul II. Situated near St. Peter's Basilica, it primarily serves as a residence for clergy working at the Holy See or visiting the Vatican on official business. Its most critical function occurs during a papal conclave, when the building becomes the exclusive residence for the cardinal electors to ensure their seclusion from the outside world. The five-story structure was built on the site of a former hospice dating back to 1891, which was originally established by Pope Leo XIII to care for cholera patients. It gained immense international prominence in 2013 when Pope Francis broke with tradition by choosing to live here permanently in suite 201 instead of moving into the official Papal Apartments in the Apostolic Palace. The architecture and interior design are intentionally functional and modest, reflecting the current Pope's emphasis on simplicity and pastoral accessibility.

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
Domus Sanctae Marthae is a guesthouse inside Vatican City, currently the residence of Pope Francis. It is not open to the public; only clergy and invited guests can enter.
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Typical hours
No public visiting hours. The building is a private residence - access is restricted at all times.
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Photography
Photography of the exterior from outside the Vatican walls is allowed, but no entry. Do not attempt to take pictures of the interior through windows.
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Time needed
No visit possible; passing by the building takes less than a minute. You can see the modern facade from the street near St. Peter's.
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Combine with
Combine a walk around the Vatican walls with a visit to St. Peter's Square and the Basilica. The Domus is near the Paul VI Audience Hall.
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Getting there
Located inside Vatican City, near the Paul VI Hall. The best view is from Via della Conciliazione side; you cannot approach closer than the Swiss Guard checkpoint.
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Insider tip
If you are a journalist or have a special invitation, you might gain access. Otherwise, admire the modern architecture from a distance - the building is minimalist.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90150, 12.45500

Facts

  • The building was officially inaugurated on February 22, 1996.
  • It contains a total of 106 suites and 22 single rooms.
  • Pope Francis has lived in suite 201 since his election in 2013.
  • The structure replaced a hospice founded in 1891 by Leo XIII.
  • During a conclave, the entire building is swept for electronic bugs.
  • The daily room rate for visiting clergy is approximately 40 to 100 Euros.

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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 Domus Sanctae Marthae (10)

Arch of the Bells

Archway in Vatican City, part of the old fortifications.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Sacristy🏛 museum

Sacristy in the Vatican, used for storing liturgical vestments and vessels.

💶

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, known for Michelangelo's Crucifixion of Saint Peter fresco.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the largest churches in the world and a major pilgrimage site.

Oratorio di San Pietro in Borgo

Church building in the Borgo district of Rome, dedicated to Saint Peter.

Dome of Saint Peter

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

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, designed by Michelangelo.

Portone di Bronzo

Bronze door at the Apostolic Palace, the official entrance to the papal palace.

Capella Santa Monica degli Agostiniani

Building in Rome, Italy, dedicated to Saint Monica.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Domus Sanctae Marthae?
It is a guesthouse in the Vatican, now serving as the official residence of Pope Francis.
Can you visit the building?
No, it is a private residential building and not open to the public.
Who normally lives there?
Cardinals during a conclave and clergy working in the Vatican.
Where is the guesthouse located?
Near St. Peter's Basilica, directly behind the Paul VI Audience Hall.
When was it built?
The building was completed in 1996 under Pope John Paul II.
Domus Sanctae Marthae: where is it located?
Domus Sanctae Marthae is located in Vatican.
Domus Sanctae Marthae: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arch of the Bells, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, Sacristy.
Domus Sanctae Marthae: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Domus Sanctae Marthae: why is it worth visiting?
The Domus Sanctae Marthae is a modern guest house located within Vatican City, completed in 1996 under the direction of Pope John Paul II.
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History & landmarks

St. Peter&#39;s Square — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Bunker Access — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Vatican Fire Station — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Typography Street — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican City Railway Station — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Postal Service Square — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.
Oven Square — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.

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Archpriest&#39;s Palace — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
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Palace of the Sacristy — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
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St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
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St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
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Palace of the Holy Office
Seat of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, located right on the Vatican border.
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A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
Canons&#39; Palace — Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican)
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