Plizio Visual Lab

Railway Station Greenery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

park

Weather…

The greenery surrounding the Vatican City Railway Station represents a unique blend of modern infrastructure and Mediterranean landscaping. Following the Lateran Treaty of 1929, the station was commissioned by Pope Pius XI and designed by architect Giuseppe Momo, with construction completing in 1933. The surrounding gardens were strategically planned to soften the visual impact of the station's massive travertine facade and the industrial nature of the rail tracks. The area is characterized by terraced beds containing a variety of flowering shrubs, oleanders, and seasonal blooms adapted to the Roman climate. Although the station is rarely used for scheduled passenger services, it serves as a ceremonial gateway for significant papal journeys and official state visits. The landscape design emphasizes order and dignity, featuring natural stone retaining walls and pristine lawns that align with the building's neoclassical style. Historically, this site signifies the Vatican's modernization through its connection to the international rail network. Integrating vegetation onto the steep terrain behind St. Peter's Basilica was a significant engineering feat that ensured the city-state's garden-like atmosphere remained uninterrupted even in its most functional areas.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians · St Mary's Church · Sacristy

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

🧭

Getting there

This section can normally only be visited as part of special guided tours, as the railway station area is not freely accessible to the public. Advance booking through the official channels of the Vatican is strictly required for entry.

📅

Best season

The best time for a visit is during the mild spring months or early autumn to completely avoid the intense heat of the Roman summer. During this period, the ornamental plants and olive trees often display their most beautiful foliage.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The surroundings of the station are largely level and the pathways are well developed, allowing for a highly comfortable and relaxed walk. The flat terrain is convenient for visitors of all ages and does not require any special physical fitness.

🎒

What to bring

Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate, respectful clothing, as the grounds are situated on sacred and historic land. A bottle of water and a good camera to capture the unique backdrop are also highly recommended items.

🅿️

Parking

There are no parking facilities directly at the Vatican Railway Station for tourists, which is why arriving by metro or bus is best. Paid parking garages in Rome are the only viable option if you choose to travel with a private vehicle.

⚠️

Safety

Since the area is located near functioning infrastructures, the instructions of the guides must be strictly followed at all times. Leaving the marked paths is strictly prohibited for security reasons and for the vital protection of the plants.

⏱️

Time needed

Viewing the greenery around the station is a brief stop that usually takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes of your time. However, it is typically part of a much longer overall tour through the historic and beautiful Vatican Gardens.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90050, 12.45100

Facts

The Vatican railway line is one of the shortest in the world at approximately 300 meters.
The station building was officially inaugurated in 1933.
Architect Giuseppe Momo also designed the famous spiral staircase in the Vatican Museums.
The station is entirely clad in white travertine stone sourced from Tivoli.
The surrounding gardens act as a visual buffer between the tracks and the Basilica.
Two massive bronze gates secure the railway entrance at the Vatican walls.