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Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden

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Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)

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The garden of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery gained worldwide fame as the retreat of Pope Benedict XVI after his abdication in 2013. The monastery itself was founded in 1994 by John Paul II to provide a community of nuns with a place for contemplative prayer within the Vatican. The associated garden is simply and functionally designed, with a strong focus on self-sufficiency. It features a small vineyard, an orchard with lemon and orange trees, as well as beds for vegetables and medicinal herbs. The design follows the monastic handy of silence and simplicity, with paths laid out to invite meditative walking. During his time at the monastery, Benedict XVI often dedicated himself to tending the roses and enjoyed the quiet of this secluded area. The walls of the monastery protect the garden from the prying eyes of the tourist crowds visiting the nearby museums. This site symbolizes the connection between work and prayer and is today a silent monument to the years of prayer for the Church by the Pope Emeritus. The atmosphere is characterized by deep spirituality and harmony between man and nature.

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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Getting there
Access to this contemplative area is highly restricted and only possible through specialized Vatican Garden tours. The garden is located near the former monastery building in a more private sector.
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Best season
The garden is open year-round for tours, with the various herbs and seasonal flowers providing different sensory experiences in both the blooming spring and the harvest months of late summer.
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Terrain & paths
The monastery garden features flat, easily navigable paths suitable for gentle walking. The layout is intimate, with low hedges and flower beds that are visible from the main visitor walkways.
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What to bring
Visitors should bring a hat and sun protection as some parts of the garden are quite exposed. A quiet, respectful demeanor is expected here given the proximity to former papal residences.
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Parking
There is no visitor parking at the monastery. The closest practical options are the public parking areas near the Cipro or Ottaviano metro stations, followed by a walk to the Vatican Museums entrance.
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Safety
Respect the tranquility of the monastery grounds by keeping noise to a minimum. Do not touch or pick any of the cultivated plants, as many are part of a private, historic botanical collection.
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Time needed
Tourists typically spend about 15 minutes observing this garden during their visit. It provides a peaceful moment for reflection before continuing to the more formal Italian gardens of the complex.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90280, 12.44780

Facts

  • The monastery was consecrated on May 13, 1994, by John Paul II.
  • Residence of Pope Benedict XVI from 2013 until his death in 2022.
  • The garden features beds for growing organic vegetables.
  • Houses a small vineyard with various grape varieties.
  • Located in close proximity to the Vatican Heliport.
  • Originally built for alternating orders of contemplative nuns.

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Sights in the town Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (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 fortifications.

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome leading to the Vatican, from the 16th century.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, site of St. Peter's Basilica, historically significant.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen, with Ethiopian ties.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, named after Pope Pius IV.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, an architectural masterpiece.

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering views of Rome.

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

Church building in Rome, Italy, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who lived at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery?
Pope Benedict XVI spent his retirement there until his death.
What grows in the monastery garden?
Fruit, vegetables, and herbs are grown there for the papal household.
When was the monastery founded?
Pope John Paul II founded it in 1994 for contemplative nuns.
Is the monastery open to visitors?
No, it is a place of enclosure and prayer and is not open to the public.
Where is the building located?
It is located on the western edge of the Vatican Gardens, near the Leonine Wall.
Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden: where is it located?
Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden is located in Vatican.
Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, St John's Tower, Porta Pertusa.
Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden: why is it worth visiting?
The garden of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery gained worldwide fame as the retreat of Pope Benedict XVI after his abdication in 2013.
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Vatican City Railway Station — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Fountain of the Galley — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Radio Tower Plateau — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Radio Tower Plateau
An artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill.
The Nativity Grotto — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
The Nativity Grotto
The Nativity Grotto is a religious rock formation within the gardens.
Porta Pertusa — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Porta Pertusa
This historical gate in the Leonine Wall dates from the 16th century and is located near the Vatican heliport.
Radio Station Plateau — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Radio Station Plateau
A prominent high plateau on the western edge of the Vatican.

Nature

Japanese Maple Area — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.
Colle Vaticano Summit — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Colle Vaticano Summit
This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.
Citrus Grove — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Citrus Grove
In this protected area, various citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits grow.
Palm Tree Collection — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Palm Tree Collection
The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.

More places

Tower of San Giovanni — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Ethiopian College — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Governatorato Palace — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (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 — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (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 — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (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.
Palace of the Sacristy — Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Garden (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.