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Saint Anne's Gate

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Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)

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Saint Anne's Gate, known in Italian as Porta Sant'Anna, is one of the primary access points for vehicles and pedestrians entering Vatican City. Located on Via di Porta Angelica, it serves as the official border crossing between Italy and the sovereign territory of the Holy See. The gate is named after the nearby parish church of Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri, which was constructed in the 16th century for the papal grooms. Since the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, this entrance has functioned as the main gateway for Vatican employees, residents, and authorized suppliers. Security at the gate is managed by the Pontifical Swiss Guard, whose presence ensures that only those with valid identification or appointments can pass. Once inside, the road leads to essential services such as the Vatican Post Office, the Vatican Bank, and the pharmacy. While structurally modest compared to the ceremonial gates, Saint Anne's Gate is indispensable for the daily administrative and logistical operations of the world's smallest independent state.

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
Saint Anne's Gate is a public entrance to Vatican City, mainly used by employees and residents. Visitors can pass through but need an ID or a permit.
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Typical hours
The gate is open daily at fixed times, usually from early morning to evening. Exact times can be obtained from the porter's lodge at the entrance.
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Photography
Photographing the gate from the outside is allowed and popular. Avoid taking pictures of security personnel or checkpoints, as this is not permitted.
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Time needed
Passing through the gate takes only a few minutes. But allow time for security checks, especially during peak hours.
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Combine with
The gate is right next to the Church of Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri. Combine the visit with the church and the adjacent St. Peter's Basilica.
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Getting there
The gate is reachable from Via di Porta Angelica. The nearest bus stop is Porta Angelica (line 64). On foot, it is 10 minutes from Roma San Pietro station.
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Insider tip
Use this gate to bypass crowds at St. Peter's Square. It is less touristy, but only passable with a valid ID.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90420, 12.45780

Facts

  • The gate is the primary entrance for daily commuters and deliveries.
  • It is guarded 24 hours a day by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
  • The gate is named after St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary.
  • It was formally designated as a state entrance in the 1929 Lateran Treaty.
  • Only cars with SCV (Stato della Città del Vaticano) plates enter freely.
  • The gate provides the closest access to the Vatican's central pharmacy.

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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 Saint Anne's Gate (10)

Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms

Parish church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Anne, used by the papal guard.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

St. Pellegrino Gate

Gate in Vatican City, part of the Leonine Wall.

Window of the Pope's study

Window of the Pope's study in the Apostolic Palace, from which he gives Sunday prayers.

Maderno Fountain

Fountain in St. Peter's Square, designed by Carlo Maderno in the 17th century.

Portone di Bronzo

Bronze door at the Apostolic Palace, the official entrance to the papal palace.

Vatican Obelisk

Obelisk in St. Peter's Square, originally from Egypt, brought to Rome in antiquity.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis beneath Vatican City, located along the Via Triumphalis.

Museo Storico dell'Arma dei Carabinieri🏛 museum

Museum in Italy showcasing the history of the Carabinieri.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Anne's Gate used for?
It is the main entrance for Vatican employees and residents.
Can tourists enter the Vatican through this gate?
Only if they have a specific destination, such as the Vatican Pharmacy or the Post Office.
Where is the gate located?
On Via di Porta Angelica, north of St. Peter's Square.
Is the gate guarded?
Yes, Swiss Guards and Gendarmerie control access 24/7.
Is there a church nearby?
Right next to the gate is the Church of Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri.
Saint Anne's Gate: where is it located?
Saint Anne's Gate is located in Vatican.
Saint Anne's Gate: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms, Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo, Saint Peregrin's Church.
Saint Anne's Gate: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Saint Anne's Gate: why is it worth visiting?
Saint Anne's Gate, known in Italian as Porta Sant'Anna, is one of the primary access points for vehicles and pedestrians entering Vatican City.
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History & landmarks

Oven Square — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Postal Service Square — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.
Vatican Fire Station — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Typography Street — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
St. Peter&#39;s Square — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Bunker Access — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.

More places

Palace of St. Pius X — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Palace of St. Pius X
A modern administrative building on Via della Conciliazione.
Palace of Sixtus V — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Palace of Sixtus V
This wing of the Apostolic Palace traditionally serves as the official residence of the Popes.
Palace of Paul V — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.
Palace of Gregory XIII — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.
Bronze Door — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Bronze Door
The primary ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace, constantly guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
San Damaso Courtyard — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Gallery of Maps — Saint Anne's Gate (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.