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Vatican Heliport Green

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Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)

Weather…

The green area at the Vatican Heliport represents one of the most modern sections of the Vatican Gardens. The heliport itself was inaugurated in 1976 under Pope Paul VI to facilitate papal travel and is surrounded by an extensive lawn that is meticulously maintained. The planting in this peripheral area of the Vatican is functional and open, with low shrubs and hedges that do not obstruct the flight paths of the pilots. Nevertheless, ornamental plants and trees have been placed along the borders to visually integrate the site into the overall landscape of the gardens. Its location in the southwesternmost corner of the state provides a broad view over the Leonine Walls toward the surrounding Roman neighborhoods. Open grassy areas are common here, serving as ecological buffer zones and providing habitats for small mammals and birds. Despite the technical use of the grounds, strict adherence to the ecological standards of the Vatican garden administration is ensured. The contrast between modern infrastructure and historical greenery is particularly striking here.

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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Getting there
Visiting 'Vatican Heliport Green' requires participation in a pre-booked guided group tour, as individual wandering is not allowed within this restricted part of the Vatican estate.
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Best season
While accessible in all seasons, the gardens are most animated during late spring when the flowers are in bloom, or in autumn when the Mediterranean heat has finally subsided.
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Terrain & paths
Near this park, you will find stable walking surfaces, but the undulating landscape of the gardens means there are several hilly sections and stone stairs to navigate.
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What to bring
Please adhere to the Vatican dress standards (no bare shoulders or knees) and ensure you wear supportive footwear suitable for several hours of walking on uneven garden terrain.
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Parking
Since visitor parking is non-existent inside the state, we suggest utilizing the public transport system or finding a parking spot in the surrounding Prati neighborhood of Rome.
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Safety
Please stay close to your group and do not wander off the marked paths, as the entire garden area is under constant surveillance for the protection of both guests and property.
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Time needed
Visitors should expect to spend approximately two to three hours exploring this area, which allows ample time for historical commentary and brief stops at key viewpoints.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90200, 12.44550

Facts

  • The heliport was built in preparation for the Holy Year 1975/76.
  • The lawn is maintained to high standards of durability.
  • The surrounding walls date back partly to the 9th century.
  • There are special windbreak plantings along the outer edges.
  • The area also serves as an emergency landing site for rescue services.
  • Maintenance is carried out using modern, emission-free equipment.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tower of San Giovanni ParkTower of San Giovanni Park<1 km · SEExplore →
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 →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
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 Vatican Heliport Green (10)

Porta Pertusa

City gate in Rome, Italy. Part of the Aurelian Walls.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City. A tower of unknown function.

Lourdes Grotto

Building in Vatican City. Replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, location of St. Peter's Basilica. One of the seven hills of Rome.

Teatro Cyrano

Theatre in Vatican City. Venue for performances.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Mediatrice

Church building in Rome, Italy. Dedicated to Mary Mediatrix.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City. Dedicated to Saint Stephen and Ethiopian Christians.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Renaissance building in the Vatican.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Landmark of Rome.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the heliport still in use today?
Yes, the Pope uses the heliport regularly for travels, especially to Castel Gandolfo.
Can the heliport be visited up close?
Visitors can see the surrounding green area, but the heliport itself is a security zone.
When was the heliport built?
It was built in 1976 under Pope Paul VI to increase the mobility of the head of the church.
Is there a terminal building there?
There is only a functional infrastructure without a public passenger terminal.
Can one observe helicopter take-offs?
Take-offs are rare and usually not visible to tourists for security reasons.
Vatican Heliport Green: where is it located?
Vatican Heliport Green is located in Vatican.
Vatican Heliport Green: what is there to see?
Highlights include Porta Pertusa, St John's Tower, Lourdes Grotto.
Vatican Heliport Green: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Heliport Green: why is it worth visiting?
The green area at the Vatican Heliport represents one of the most modern sections of the Vatican Gardens.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Vatican City Railway Station — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Fountain of the Galley — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
St. John&#39;s Tower Elevation — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
St. John's Tower Elevation
An isolated elevation at the western tip of Vatican Hill.
The Nativity Grotto — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
The Nativity Grotto
The Nativity Grotto is a religious rock formation within the gardens.
Heliport Terrace — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Heliport Terrace
The westernmost terrace of the Vatican, leveled specifically for the papal heliport.
Radio Tower Plateau — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Radio Tower Plateau
An artificially leveled plateau on the western ridge of Vatican Hill.

Nature

Palm Tree Collection — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Palm Tree Collection
The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.
Japanese Maple Area — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.

More places

Tower of San Giovanni — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Ethiopian College — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Governatorato Palace — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Vatican Heliport Green (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 — Vatican Heliport Green (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 — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Vatican Heliport Green (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 — Vatican Heliport Green (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.