DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Tower of San Giovanni

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tower
—°10
Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)

Weather…

The Tower of San Giovanni (Torre San Giovanni) is a prominent historical fortification that forms part of the Leonine Walls in Vatican City. It was originally constructed in the 9th century under Pope Leo IV to defend St. Peter's Basilica against Saracen pirate raids. In the 16th century, the tower was reinforced by Pope Nicholas V and later underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. Today, it serves as an elite residence for high-ranking papal guests and a venue for sensitive diplomatic discussions. Perched at the highest elevation of the Vatican Gardens, the tower commands a strategic view over the city-state. Its massive masonry and medieval silhouette are enduring examples of the Vatican's defensive architecture. The tower gained significant international attention in 2008 when it hosted the historic meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and US President George W. Bush.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Tower of San Giovanni is typically not open to the public as it serves as a guesthouse for high-profile visitors. Its outer walls can only be viewed from the Vatican Gardens.
🕒
Typical hours
No visiting hours exist for the interior. The gardens typically open only with guided tours on set dates - advance registration is mandatory.
📷
Photography
Exterior photographs are generally allowed. Interior photography is prohibited due to guest privacy.
⏱️
Time needed
A short visit at the tower lasts about ten minutes. Allow roughly two hours for the full garden tour.
➕
Combine with
Visit the tower together with the Vatican Gardens. The nearby Sistine Chapel also combines well.
🧭
Getting there
Access is exclusively through the Vatican Museums with a pre-booked ticket. No direct entrance from the street.
💡
Insider tip
Ask at booking whether the tower is included in the tour route. Early slots are less crowded.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90150, 12.44850

Facts

  • The tower is a key segment of the 9th-century Leonine Wall.
  • Pope John XXIII briefly used the tower as a summer retreat.
  • It was retrofitted with modern residential amenities in 1962.
  • The structure features a circular plan with massive stone walls.
  • It is situated roughly 75 meters above sea level.
  • It hosted the high-profile 2008 meeting with President George W. Bush.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tower of Saint JohnTower of Saint John<1 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia4 km · EExplore →
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 Tower of San Giovanni (10)

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City, a tower of unknown purpose.

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome, part of the Vatican walls.

Lourdes Grotto

Replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in Vatican City, a place of prayer.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome that is the location of St. Peter's Basilica, core of Vatican City.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen, with Coptic tradition.

Chiesa di San Gregorio VII

Church building in Rome, Italy, dedicated to Pope Gregory VII.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, designed by Michelangelo, offering views over Rome.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, designed by Michelangelo, offering views over Rome.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Papal basilica in Vatican City, burial site of popes, the largest Christian church.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Torre San Giovanni?
It is a historic tower in the Vatican Gardens, now used as a residence for distinguished guests.
Can you visit the tower?
It can be seen from the outside during tours of the Vatican Gardens, but the interior is not open.
When was the tower built?
The tower originally dates back to the 9th century and was later restored in the 16th century.
Who has lived in the tower?
Pope John XXIII used the tower as a retreat during his papacy.
Where exactly is the tower located?
It is located on the highest point of the Vatican Hill in the western part of the gardens.
Tower of San Giovanni: where is it located?
Tower of San Giovanni is located in Vatican.
Tower of San Giovanni: what is there to see?
Highlights include St John's Tower, Porta Pertusa, Lourdes Grotto.
Tower of San Giovanni: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Tower of San Giovanni: why is it worth visiting?
The Tower of San Giovanni (Torre San Giovanni) is a prominent historical fortification that forms part of the Leonine Walls in Vatican City.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Vatican →

History & landmarks

Vatican City Railway Station — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Vatican City Heliport — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Bunker Access — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Ethiopian College Terrace — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Ethiopian College Terrace
A distinct topographic step in the heart of the Vatican Gardens.
Porta Pertusa — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Porta Pertusa
This historical gate in the Leonine Wall dates from the 16th century and is located near the Vatican heliport.
The Nativity Grotto — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
The Nativity Grotto
The Nativity Grotto is a religious rock formation within the gardens.

Nature

Israel Olive Tree — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Israel Olive Tree
This centuries-old olive tree was a gift from the State of Israel to the Vatican.
Citrus Grove — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Citrus Grove
In this protected area, various citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits grow.
Palm Tree Collection — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Palm Tree Collection
The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.
Japanese Maple Area — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.
Vatican Mediterranean Maquis — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Vatican Mediterranean Maquis
An area within the gardens preserved to showcase the typical shrubland of the Lazio region.

More places

Ethiopian College — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Governatorato Palace — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
San Carlo Palace — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Palace of Leo XIII — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Canons&#39; Palace — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Tower of San Giovanni (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.
Palace of the Sacristy — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Tower of San Giovanni (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.