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Ethiopian College Terrace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The terrace of the Ethiopian College (Pontificio Collegio Etiopico) is a prominent topographical feature in the southwestern sector of the Vatican Gardens, located directly behind the apse of St. Peter's Basilica. It is the only seminary located entirely within the walls of Vatican City State. The current building was commissioned by Pope Pius XI in 1928 and completed in 1930, built upon a reinforced terrace to accommodate the sloping terrain of the Vatican Hill. The history of the Ethiopian community at the Vatican dates back to 1441, when Pope Eugene IV assigned them the nearby church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini after the Council of Florence. Geographically, the terrace provides a unique vantage point overlooking the Leonine Wall and the secluded western gardens. The architectural style of the college is understated and functional, designed to blend with the natural greenery and the historic surrounding structures. Today, the terrace and the college continue to serve as a vital link between the Roman Catholic Church and the ancient Christian traditions of Ethiopia and Eritrea, symbolizing centuries of ecumenical relations.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: Lourdes Grotto · Vatican Hill · St John's Tower

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

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Visiting

The Ethiopian College Terrace is an artificial step in the Vatican Gardens, providing a wide view. It is accessible only on a guided garden tour that must be booked in advance.

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Typical hours

Guided tours of the Vatican Gardens usually start in the morning. Exact times are listed on the official Vatican website as they vary by season.

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Photography

Photography on the terrace is generally allowed for personal use. Flash and tripods are often not permitted to maintain the gardens' tranquility.

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Time needed

A stop at the Ethiopian College Terrace lasts about 10 minutes during the tour. The entire garden tour takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

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Combine with

This terrace combines well with nearby fountains like the Fountain of the Eagle. The Vatican Gardens feature many other terraces and baroque water features on a loop walk.

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Getting there

Access is through the Vatican Museums, where you join the garden tour. The meeting point is usually in the Pinecone Courtyard, then the walk begins.

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Insider tip

Choose an early morning tour to avoid the midday sun. From the terrace, you get an excellent view of St. Peter's Basilica dome.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90230, 12.44900

Facts

The current college building was completed in 1930 under Pius XI.
It stands as the only seminary physically located inside Vatican City.
Ethiopian presence at the Vatican was established in 1441 after a church council.
The terrace provides foundational support on the Vatican Hill's slope.
It serves students from both the Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic Churches.
Located in the most secluded part of the gardens, near the Leonine Wall.

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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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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ethiopian College Terrace (10)

Lourdes Grotto

Replica of the Massabielle grotto in Lourdes, built within the Vatican Gardens.

Vatican Hill

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

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, part of the historic defensive walls.

St Mary's Church

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

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome, Italy, part of the Leonine Wall.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City.

Cupola di San Pietro

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

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, overlooking Rome.

Saint Peter's Basilica

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ethiopian College?

The only seminary located entirely within the walls of Vatican City.

Can tourists visit the college?

Normally no, but the building is clearly visible from the outside during garden tours.

What is the college terrace?

An architectural viewpoint located on the slope of the Vatican Hill.

When was the college founded?

Its origins date back to the 15th century; the current building is from 1928.

Why is there an Ethiopian college in the Vatican?

It symbolizes the long-standing connection between the Catholic Church and Ethiopia.

Ethiopian College Terrace: where is it located?

Ethiopian College Terrace is located in Vatican.

Ethiopian College Terrace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, Vatican Hill, St John's Tower.

Ethiopian College Terrace: when is the best time to visit?

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

Ethiopian College Terrace: why is it worth visiting?

The terrace of the Ethiopian College (Pontificio Collegio Etiopico) is a prominent topographical feature in the southwestern sector of the Vatican Gardens, located directly behind the apse of St.

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