Guadalupe Garden

The Guadalupe Garden is a significant site of Marian devotion within the Vatican Gardens, dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico and the entire American continent. The centerpiece of the site is a monumental mosaic depicting the apparition of the Virgin to the Indian Juan Diego in 1531. This artwork was a gift from the Mexican bishops and lay faithful and was integrated into the northern part of the gardens. The surrounding flora was selected to build a bridge between the European vegetation of the Vatican and the landscapes of the Americas, with specific floral arrangements often maintained in honor of the Madonna. The garden serves as a destination for pilgrims from Latin America and as a venue for solemn ceremonies on memorial days. The garden's symbolism emphasizes the universality of the Catholic Church and the deep rooting of Guadalupe devotion at the heart of Christianity. The tranquility of this area provides a handy setting for personal devotion and reflection on the message of Tepeyac. The careful maintenance of the mosaic and the greenery testifies to the esteem the Holy See holds for this special Marian tradition.

History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport

The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.

Vatican City Railway Station

The only railway station in the world's smallest state.

Bunker Access

A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.

Fountain of the Galley

A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.

Porta Pertusa

This historical gate in the Leonine Wall dates from the 16th century and is located near the Vatican heliport.

The Nativity Grotto

The Nativity Grotto is a religious rock formation within the gardens.

Ethiopian College Terrace

A distinct topographic step in the heart of the Vatican Gardens.

Radio Tower Plateau

An artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill.

Nature

Japanese Maple Area

Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.

Palm Tree Collection

The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.

Citrus Grove

In this protected area, various citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits grow.

Israel Olive Tree

This centuries-old olive tree was a gift from the State of Israel to the Vatican.

More places

Tower of San Giovanni

A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.

Ethiopian College

The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.

Governatorato Palace

The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.

Palace of Leo XIII

This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.

San Carlo Palace

A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.

Canons' Palace

This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.

Church of Santa Maria della Pietà

The national church for the German-speaking population in the Vatican, located directly adjacent to the Campo Santo Teutonico.

Palace of the Sacristy

This massive building houses the sacristy of St.