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Octagonal Courtyard

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Cortile Ottagono, or Octagonal Courtyard, is the historic centerpiece of the Pio-Clementine Museum in the Vatican. Originally designed as the Belvedere Courtyard by Donato Bramante for Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, it took its current octagonal shape in 1773 under Pope Clement XIV through the intervention of architect Michelangelo Simonetti. The courtyard was created specifically to showcase the popes' most prestigious collection of ancient sculptures. It houses world-renowned masterpieces such as the Laocoön Group, the Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Hermes. Each statue is displayed within its own specialized niche, providing both protection and a good viewing perspective. The courtyard serves as a symbol of the Renaissance rediscovery of classical antiquity and the evolution of private papal villas into public museums. Its harmonious architecture blends the sculptures with the surrounding environment, offering visitors a timeless experience of classical aesthetic perfection.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: Missionary Ethnological Museum · Vatican Museums · Museo Gregoriano Profano

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Octagonal Courtyard is the core of the Vatican Museums, housing famous ancient sculptures. It is accessible to all museum visitors, as it lies inside the museum complex.

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Typical hours

The Vatican Museums are typically open Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays except for rare occasions. The Octagonal Courtyard follows the museum's schedule without separate hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the Octagonal Courtyard without flash, as in most parts of the Vatican Museums. Professional equipment like tripods requires a special permit.

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Time needed

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to appreciate the sculptures in the Octagonal Courtyard. The full museum visit typically takes at least three to four hours.

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Combine with

Combine the courtyard with other museum highlights like the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens can also be included in the same visit.

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Getting there

The Octagonal Courtyard is inside the Vatican Museums, accessible via the main entrance on Viale Vaticano. You need to purchase a museum ticket and pass through security.

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Insider tip

Visit the courtyard early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Use the audio guide to learn the stories behind these ancient masterpieces.