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Radio Station Plateau

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Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)

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The Vatican Radio Station Plateau is situated in the western part of the Vatican Hill at an elevation of approximately 75 meters above sea level. This elevated point provides a strategic location for the transmission facilities of Vatican Radio, which were inaugurated in 1931 under the direction of Guglielmo Marconi. The geological structure consists primarily of Pliocene clay and sandstone, typical of the Mons Vaticanus. The plateau borders the western boundary of the city-state and is enclosed by the historical Leonine Walls, constructed in the 9th century for protection. Today, the area houses modern antenna systems and technical buildings that ensure papal communications reach a global audience. The vegetation in this sector is characterized by Mediterranean pines and manicured lawns, which complement the functional nature of the site. As the highest point in Vatican City, this relief feature is a decisive topographical element in the landscape and historical defense system.

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 Radio Station Plateau is a topographic high point on the western edge of Vatican City. It is accessible as part of a guided Vatican Gardens tour, not separately.
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Typical hours
If included in a garden tour, the plateau is accessible only during garden opening hours. Tours typically take place in the morning.
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Photography
Photography is allowed during garden tours. The plateau features panoramic views of the city.
⏱️
Time needed
A stop on the garden tour of about 10-15 minutes. The plateau itself is a viewpoint.
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Combine with
Combine with a full Vatican Gardens tour and a visit to the nearby Radio Tower Plateau. Both are on the western ridge.
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Getting there
Access is through guided Vatican Gardens tours that start from the Vatican Museums. Booking in advance is required.
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Insider tip
The plateau provides an excellent photo opportunity of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Bring binoculars for distant views.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90350, 12.44780

Facts

  • The plateau stands at 75 meters above sea level.
  • Vatican Radio was inaugurated on February 12, 1931.
  • Guglielmo Marconi designed the original broadcasting equipment.
  • The geological foundation is marine clay from the Pliocene era.
  • It is located adjacent to the historical Leonine Walls.
  • The area contains technical transmission buildings and antenna masts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Radio Tower PlateauRadio Tower Plateau<1 km · SWExplore →
Castel Sant'AngeloCastel Sant'Angelo2 km · EExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
Theatre of MarcellusTheatre of Marcellus3 km · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
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 Radio Station Plateau (10)

Lourdes Grotto

Replica of the Lourdes grotto, located in Vatican City.

Vatican Hill

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

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City.

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome, Italy.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

Church building in Rome, Italy.

Vatican Art Gallery🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Vatican Radio?
Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless telegraphy, in 1931.
Where is the radio station located?
On the highest plateau of the Vatican Gardens.
Can visitors visit the radio station?
The prominent antennas are visible during garden tours; studios are not open to the public.
In how many languages does the Vatican broadcast?
In over 40 languages worldwide via shortwave, satellite, and the internet.
Do they still broadcast on shortwave?
Yes, primarily for regions with limited internet access.
Radio Station Plateau: where is it located?
Radio Station Plateau is located in Vatican.
Radio Station Plateau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, Vatican Hill, St John's Tower.
Radio Station Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Radio Station Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Radio Station Plateau is situated in the western part of the Vatican Hill at an elevation of approximately 75 meters above sea level.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Vatican City Railway Station — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Fountain of the Galley — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Radio Tower Plateau — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Radio Tower Plateau
An artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill.
Leonine Wall Crest — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Leonine Wall Crest
A prominent elevation along the northern and western state border.
Vatican Radio — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican Radio
Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Holy See, established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi.
Heliport Terrace — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Heliport Terrace
The westernmost terrace of the Vatican, leveled specifically for the papal heliport.

Nature

Colle Vaticano Summit — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Colle Vaticano Summit
This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.
Eagle Fountain Pond — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Eagle Fountain Pond
An artificial water basin that is part of the monumental 17th-century Eagle Fountain.
Japanese Maple Area — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.

More places

Ethiopian College — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Tower of San Giovanni — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Governatorato Palace — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Radio Station Plateau (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 — Radio Station Plateau (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 — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Gallery of Maps — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Radio Station Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.