DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Fountain of the Galley

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)

Weather…

The Fountain of the Galley (Fontana della Galea) is a unique Baroque water feature located in the Belvedere Courtyard within the Vatican. Originally commissioned in the early 17th century by Pope Paul V Borghese, it was later enhanced during the 18th-century reign of Pope Pius VI. The fountain features a meticulously crafted bronze model of a papal war galley, complete with rigging and masts, set atop a stone basin representing the sea. A distinctive engineering detail of this fountain is its miniature cannons, which are designed to fire jets of water instead of shot, creating a playful and dynamic display. The galley serves as an allegory for the Barque of Peter, symbolizing the Church's resilience across the turbulent seas of history. Surrounded by the grand architecture of the Belvedere, the fountain remains a testament to the intersection of artistic creativity and hydraulic engineering in the papal courts.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Fountain of the Galley in the Vatican Gardens is a decorative water feature with maritime motifs, accessible only on a guided tour. Being outdoors, sun protection is advisable in summer.
🕒
Typical hours
Guided tours of the gardens typically start in the morning, often between 8 and 9 AM. Exact times depend on the season and are available on the Vatican website.
📷
Photography
Photos of the fountain are allowed during the tour for private use. Avoid flash to not disturb the water reflections.
⏱️
Time needed
A stop at the Fountain of the Galley during the guided tour lasts about 10 minutes. The entire garden tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine this fountain with the Fountain of the Eagle and the Fountain of the Tiara on the same loop. The Vatican Gardens offer a thematic variety of fountains.
🧭
Getting there
Accessible only via the Vatican Museums as part of a booked garden tour. The meeting point is usually at the Cortile della Pigna.
💡
Insider tip
Ask the guide about the fountain's restoration in the 20th century. An early tour start allows calmer shots without crowds.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90450, 12.45280

Facts

  • The fountain was originally completed in 1621 under Pope Paul V.
  • The central galley ship is made of bronze and features intricate rigging.
  • Its miniature cannons fire water jets, a hallmark of Baroque hydraulic art.
  • It is situated in the Belvedere Courtyard, part of the Vatican Museums complex.
  • Pope Pius VI commissioned a significant restoration of the fountain in the 1700s.
  • The ship allegorically represents the Church navigating through history.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fountain of the TiaraFountain of the Tiara<1 km · SExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense4 km · SExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Fountain of the Galley (10)

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a historic building in the Vatican.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, displaying a collection of 16th-century maps.

💶

Padiglione delle carrozze🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, exhibiting a collection of carriages and vehicles.

💶

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, exhibiting a collection of tapestries.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, a 16th-century observatory.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, world-famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Spiral staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo, an architectural masterpiece.

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, offering a wide view over Rome.

Pauline Chapel

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Fountain of the Galley located?
In the Belvedere Courtyard (Cortile del Belvedere) in the Vatican.
What does the fountain represent?
A detailed model of an ancient galley.
Can the fountain be seen during a museum tour?
Yes, it is often part of the route through the Vatican Museums.
When was the fountain built?
In the 17th century, during the reign of Pope Paul V.
Is it allowed to throw coins into the fountain?
It's not customary like at the Trevi Fountain, usually it's avoided.
Fountain of the Galley: where is it located?
Fountain of the Galley is located in Vatican.
Fountain of the Galley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pius IV House, Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, Padiglione delle carrozze.
Fountain of the Galley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Fountain of the Galley: why is it worth visiting?
The Fountain of the Galley (Fontana della Galea) is a unique Baroque water feature located in the Belvedere Courtyard within the Vatican.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Vatican →

History & landmarks

Bunker Access — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Typography Street — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican Fire Station — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Observatory Crest — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Observatory Crest
An elevated point in the north of the Vatican Gardens where astronomical observations formerly took place.
🗺️
Upper Belvedere Terrace
The topmost level of the famous Belvedere Courtyard.

More places

Gallery of Maps — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Palace of Leo XIII — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Chiaramonti Museum — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Chiaramonti Museum
Founded by Pope Pius VII, this museum displays hundreds of Roman busts and statues in an impressive gallery designed by Canova.
San Damaso Courtyard — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
Palace of Gregory XIII — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.
Governatorato Palace — Fountain of the Galley (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.