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Gate of the Mint

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Landmark
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Gate of the Mint (Vatican)

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The Gate of the Mint (Cancello della Zecca) is one of the essential functional entrances to Vatican City, marking the transition to the state's administrative and economic sector. Located on the northern side of the Vatican walls, it stands adjacent to the Vatican Mint building (La Zecca), from which it derives its name. The gate's architecture is characterized by a sturdy, functional design featuring massive stone pillars and ornate wrought-iron railings, reflecting the high-security requirements of the area. Historically, this portal was vital for the safe transport of precious metals and the management of the papacy's coinage production. Geographically, it is positioned near the Governorate Palace, providing direct access to the state's technical services and workshops. The gate is strictly guarded by the Swiss Guard and the Vatican Gendarmerie, as it leads into sensitive areas not open to the general public. It serves as a reminder of the long-standing tradition of Vatican minting, a right formally recognized in the Lateran Treaties of 1929.

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
The Gate of the Mint is a historic entrance to the former papal mint in the Vatican and can be viewed from the outside. Interior access is not possible as it is a protected structure.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor landmark, the gate is accessible at any time, with no visiting hours. It is freely accessible without a ticket.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time, best from the street. The decorative elements of the gate are visible in good light.
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Time needed
A quick stop of 5 minutes is enough to view the gate. It is a small but fine detail of Vatican history.
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Combine with
Combine the Gate of the Mint with a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Square. It is located near the Leonine Wall.
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Getting there
The gate is located near the Vatican Museums, accessible on foot from St. Peter's Square. Its exact location is somewhat hidden; a map helps.
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Insider tip
The gate is not signposted - look for an iron gate in a wall. It is worth discovering the historical details.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90400, 12.45500

Facts

  • The gate is located on the northern perimeter of the Vatican City walls.
  • It takes its name from the 'Zecca' or Vatican Mint, situated nearby.
  • Access through this portal is strictly regulated by the Swiss Guard.
  • The current wrought-iron gate was installed in the early 20th century.
  • It provides a direct route for officials heading to the Governorate Palace.
  • The gate is a primary point for the logistics of the Vatican's currency transport.

Explore nearby

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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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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gate of the Mint (10)

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums complex.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of four reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, frescoed by Raphael and his workshop 1509-1524.

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Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Museum housing 40 large 16th-century painted maps of Italy.

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Apostolic Palace

Official residence of the Pope in Vatican City.

Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of Vatican City, displaying ancient and Renaissance art.

Sistine Chapel

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

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, also called Torre dei Venti.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, frescoed by Michelangelo.

Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

Church in Rome near the Vatican, dedicated to the Swiss Guard.

St. Pellegrino Gate

Gate in Vatican City, part of the Leonine Wall.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Portal of the Mint located?
It is located at the rear of St. Peter's Basilica, near the Vatican mint.
What is the purpose of this portal?
It is a controlled access point to the technical and administrative areas.
Is there a security checkpoint there?
Yes, it is guarded by the Swiss Guard or the Vatican Gendarmerie.
Can tourists use this portal?
No, it is reserved only for authorized personnel and suppliers.
What is located directly behind the portal?
The buildings of the Vatican mint and administrative offices.
Gate of the Mint: where is it located?
Gate of the Mint is located in Vatican.
Gate of the Mint: what is there to see?
Highlights include Belvedere Courtyard, Raphael Rooms, Galleria delle Carte Geografiche.
Gate of the Mint: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Gate of the Mint: why is it worth visiting?
The Gate of the Mint (Cancello della Zecca) is one of the essential functional entrances to Vatican City, marking the transition to the state's administrative and economic sector.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Typography Street — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Bunker Access — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Vatican Fire Station — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Postal Service Square — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Fountain of the Galley — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Oven Square — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Saint Anne&#39;s Gate — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

More places

Palace of Gregory XIII — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.
San Damaso Courtyard — Gate of the Mint (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 Paul V — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.
Palace of Sixtus V — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Palace of Sixtus V
This wing of the Apostolic Palace traditionally serves as the official residence of the Popes.
Gallery of Maps — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Storage Annex — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
Bronze Door — Gate of the Mint (Vatican)
Bronze Door
The primary ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace, constantly guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.