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Radio Tower Plateau

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Radio Tower Plateau (Vatican)

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The Radio Tower Plateau in the Vatican is situated on the highest part of the Vatican Hill and houses the broadcasting facilities of Vatican Radio. This area is characterized by its flat topography, which was well-suited for establishing the technical infrastructure of the station founded in 1931. Geographically, the plateau forms the western boundary of the Vatican and directly borders the high fortress walls. The history of this site is closely linked to the development of wireless communication, as Guglielmo Marconi himself supervised the construction of the first transmitter. Today, modern radio masts stand alongside historical buildings, underscoring the contrast between tradition and modernity within the Vatican. The plateau provides an unobstructed line of sight in many directions, which was technically significant for broadcasting programs worldwide. Due to its exposed position, the plateau is frequently subjected to winds, which has shaped the local vegetation, primarily consisting of grasses and low shrubs.

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 Tower Plateau is an artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill. It houses the transmission facilities of Vatican Radio and is not open to the public.
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Typical hours
As a technical facility, there are no visiting hours for the public. The plateau can only be seen from outside the secured area.
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Photography
Photography from public paths is possible, but access to the plateau itself is prohibited. Use a telephoto lens for close-ups.
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Time needed
A quick glance from a nearby path is enough - plan 5 minutes. The plateau itself cannot be entered.
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Combine with
Combine the view of the plateau with a walk along the western ridge and a visit to the Radio Station Plateau. Both are part of the same high-altitude zone.
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Getting there
The plateau is in a secured area of the Vatican and not publicly accessible. The best view is from Viale della Radio Vaticana or from the Radio Station Plateau.
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Insider tip
The antennas are visible from afar - they are a distinctive feature of the Vatican skyline. Visit the nearby Radio Station Plateau for a better overview.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90310, 12.44740

Facts

  • Site of Vatican Radio.
  • Founded in the year 1931.
  • Guglielmo Marconi supervised construction.
  • Located on the highest plateau.
  • Borders the western fortress walls.
  • Crucial for worldwide communication.

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 →
Theatre of MarcellusTheatre of Marcellus3 km · SEExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
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 Tower Plateau (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.

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.

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

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

Cupola di San Pietro

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

Dome of Saint Peter

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is it allowed to climb the radio tower?
No, the tower is a technical facility and not open to the public.
What role did Guglielmo Marconi play here?
Marconi personally helped set up the first broadcasting facilities of Vatican Radio.
Do antennas still broadcast from this plateau today?
Yes, part of the Vatican's communication technology is located on this plateau.
Is there a good distant view from the plateau?
It is one of the best viewpoints in the Vatican with a view over all of Rome.
How do I get to the radio tower plateau?
The plateau is the endpoint of many guided tours through the gardens.
Radio Tower Plateau: where is it located?
Radio Tower Plateau is located in Vatican.
Radio Tower Plateau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, St John's Tower, Porta Pertusa.
Radio Tower Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Radio Tower Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Radio Tower Plateau in the Vatican is situated on the highest part of the Vatican Hill and houses the broadcasting facilities of Vatican Radio.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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

Nature

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

More places

Ethiopian College — Radio Tower Plateau (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Tower of San Giovanni — Radio Tower Plateau (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Governatorato Palace — Radio Tower Plateau (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Radio Tower 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 Tower 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 Tower Plateau (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Radio Tower Plateau (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 — Radio Tower Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.