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Heliport Terrace

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Heliport Terrace (Vatican)

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The Vatican Heliport Terrace is situated at the extreme western edge of the state on an artificially leveled surface. This site was inaugurated in 1976 under Pope Paul VI to facilitate fast and secure travel for the head of the Catholic Church. Geographically, the terrace is located in a strategically favorable position, far from the busy museums and St. Peter's Square, in order to minimize noise disturbance and security risks. The terrace is surrounded by dense hedges and trees, which visually integrate it into the landscape of the Vatican Gardens. In the history of the Vatican, this construction marks the transition to a more modern logistical infrastructure for the papacy. State guests also depart from here, and it is the starting point for the Pope's journeys to his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The surrounding open spaces are meticulously maintained to ensure the functionality of the heliport at all times. Despite its modern function, the area harmoniously blends into the green lungs of the Vatican.

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 Heliport Terrace is the westernmost terrace of the Vatican, leveled for the heliport. It is not open to the public but is visible from adjacent areas of the Vatican Gardens.
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Typical hours
The terrace itself has no visiting hours as it cannot be entered. The Vatican Gardens, from which you can glimpse it, are open only with a guided tour on specific dates.
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Photography
Photos of the terrace are allowed from the guided paths of the Vatican Gardens. A telephoto lens helps capture the flat surface well despite the distance.
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Time needed
Viewing the terrace is just a brief moment during the garden tour, about 5 minutes. The full Vatican Gardens tour usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the full tour of the Vatican Gardens and the Leonine Wall. The nearby heliport is also visible from the gardens.
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Getting there
Access to the Vatican Gardens is through the gate on Via della Stazione Vaticana. Advance booking of the tour is mandatory as places are limited.
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Insider tip
Notice the clear horizontal line of the terrace, which contrasts strongly with the natural hill crest. Your guide will explain why this special leveling was necessary.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90330, 12.44650

Facts

  • Inaugurated in the year 1976.
  • Built under Pope Paul VI.
  • Serves the Pope for travel.
  • Located at the westernmost edge.
  • Strategically noise-protected site.
  • Regularly used for state guests.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Castel Sant'AngeloCastel Sant'Angelo2 km · EExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
Theatre of MarcellusTheatre of Marcellus3 km · SEExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
PrimavallePrimavalle4 km · NWExplore →

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 Heliport Terrace (10)

Lourdes Grotto

Replica of the Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens, a place for prayer.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, part of the Vatican's fortifications.

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome, Italy, a historic entrance to Vatican City.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, site of St. Peter's Basilica, located above the apostle's tomb.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

Church building in Rome, Italy, known for its dome and frescoes.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen, serves the Ethiopian community.

Pius IV House

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

Teatro Cyrano

Theatre in Vatican City, venue for plays and musical performances.

Cupola di San Pietro

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors access the Vatican heliport?
No, the heliport is reserved for the Pope and state guests, though it is visible during guided garden tours.
Since when has the heliport existed?
It was inaugurated in 1976 under Pope Paul VI at the westernmost corner of Vatican City.
Which helicopters land here?
Mostly Italian Air Force helicopters used for transporting the Pope to the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
Is photography allowed?
Within the context of official garden tours, taking photos from a distance is generally allowed.
How long is the stop here?
During garden tours, there is a short pause for explanations lasting about 5-10 minutes.
Heliport Terrace: where is it located?
Heliport Terrace is located in Vatican.
Heliport Terrace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, St John's Tower, Porta Pertusa.
Heliport Terrace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Heliport Terrace: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Heliport Terrace is situated at the extreme western edge of the state on an artificially leveled surface.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Vatican City Railway Station — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Fountain of the Galley — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Leonine Wall Crest — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Leonine Wall Crest
A prominent elevation along the northern and western state border.
St. John&#39;s Tower Elevation — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
St. John's Tower Elevation
An isolated elevation at the western tip of Vatican Hill.
Radio Tower Plateau — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Radio Tower Plateau
An artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill.
The Nativity Grotto — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
The Nativity Grotto
The Nativity Grotto is a religious rock formation within the gardens.

Nature

Colle Vaticano Summit — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Colle Vaticano Summit
This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.
Japanese Maple Area — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.
Palm Tree Collection — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Palm Tree Collection
The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.

More places

Ethiopian College — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Tower of San Giovanni — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Governatorato Palace — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
San Carlo Palace — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Canons&#39; Palace — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
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.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Heliport Terrace (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.