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Vatican Fire Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Vatican Fire Station, home to the Corpo dei Vigili del Fuoco, is a highly specialized emergency unit responsible for fire safety and civil protection within Vatican City. The corps was established in its modern configuration in 1941 by Pope Pius XII, although organized firefighting in the Vatican dates back centuries. The station is strategically located near the Belvedere Courtyard, allowing for rapid response times to any part of the sovereign state, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Given the priceless nature of the art and archives housed within these walls, the firefighters undergo rigorous training in heritage preservation and specialized extinguishing techniques. Their duties extend beyond firefighting to include technical rescues, flood management, and emergency medical assistance. The fleet consists of modern, compact vehicles specifically designed to navigate the Vatican's narrow lanes and ancient archways. Comprising roughly 30 to 40 highly trained personnel, the corps plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the Pope, the residents, and millions of annual visitors.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: St. Pellegrino Gate · Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss · Window of the Pope's study
Population: ~829 (2026)

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

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Visiting

The Vatican Fire Station is a working facility and not open to the public. You can view the building from the outside, but there is no interior access.

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Typical hours

As an active fire station, there are no set visiting hours. You can pass by anytime, but entry to the grounds is restricted.

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Photography

Photography of the exterior is allowed from public streets. Please avoid close-up shots of personnel or vehicles out of respect for the firefighters' work.

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Time needed

A short stop in front of the fire station takes only about 5-10 minutes. You can quickly view the building and surroundings before moving on.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk to nearby St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. The fire station is located near the entrance area of Vatican City.

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Getting there

The fire station is located in Vatican City, accessible via the entrance on Via della Conciliazione. It is just a few minutes' walk from St. Peter's Square.

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Insider tip

Look out for historic fire engines sometimes parked in the driveway. A visit is best in the morning when the fire brigade is active.

Geography

Population

829 (2026)

Coordinates

41.90380, 12.45700

Facts

The modern Fire Brigade was officially established on June 15, 1941.
The station is located within the historic Belvedere Courtyard complex.
There are approximately 30 to 40 active-duty firefighters in the corps.
Their specialized equipment includes the 'Proteus' firefighting robot.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of the Vatican Fire Brigade.
The firefighters provide 24-hour coverage for the entire 109-acre state.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Palace of Sixtus V<1 km · WExplore →

Palazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →

Medaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →

Flaminio3 km · NExplore →

Porta Pia3 km · EExplore →

Colosseum3 km · SEExplore →

Gianicolense4 km · SExplore →

Farnesina4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Vatican Fire Station (10)

St. Pellegrino Gate

Gate in Vatican City, part of the Leonine Wall, near the railway station.

Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

Church in Rome, dedicated to the patron saints of the Swiss Guard.

Window of the Pope's study

Window in the Apostolic Palace from which the Pope gives blessings.

Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms

Parish church of Vatican City, serving the employees of the Holy See.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Maderno Fountain

Fountain in St. Peter's Square, designed by Carlo Maderno.

Apostolic Palace

Official residence of the Pope in Vatican City, housing museums and chapels.

Vatican Obelisk

Egyptian obelisk in St. Peter's Square, 25 meters tall.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Vatican Palace, frescoed by Raphael and his workshop 1509-1524.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis under Vatican City, with Roman tombs and frescoes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does the Vatican have its own fire station?

Yes, the 'Corpo dei Vigili del Fuoco' is responsible for fire protection and emergencies.

Where is the fire station located?

In the San Damaso Courtyard, centrally located within the Vatican walls.

What are the duties of the Vatican firefighters?

Firefighting, technical service, and protection of priceless art treasures.

How many firefighters are in the Vatican?

The corps consists of about 30 to 40 highly qualified firefighters.

Can you visit the fire station?

No, it is located in an internal area and is not open to the public.

Vatican Fire Station: where is it located?

Vatican Fire Station is located in Vatican.

Vatican Fire Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include St. Pellegrino Gate, Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss, Window of the Pope's study.

Vatican Fire Station: when is the best time to visit?

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

Vatican Fire Station: why is it worth visiting?

The Vatican Fire Station, home to the Corpo dei Vigili del Fuoco, is a highly specialized emergency unit responsible for fire safety and civil protection within Vatican City.

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