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Belvedere Courtyard

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Belvedere Courtyard (Vatican)

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The Belvedere Courtyard (Cortile del Belvedere) is a landmark of Renaissance architecture designed by Donato Bramante starting in 1505. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, its purpose was to link the Apostolic Palace with the Villa Belvedere located on a nearby hill, creating a unified architectural ensemble. The courtyard originally spanned three levels connected by grand staircases and was roughly 300 meters long, setting a precedent for monumental palace gardens throughout Europe. In the 16th century, it housed the papal collection of classical antiquities, including the Laocoön and the Apollo Belvedere. Over the centuries, the original layout was altered by the construction of the Vatican Library and the New Wing (Braccio Nuovo), which effectively split the vast space into two distinct sections. Today, it serves as a central artery for the Vatican Museums, showcasing the grandeur of 16th-century planning and housing some of the most significant artistic treasures of Western civilization.

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
The Belvedere Courtyard is an inner courtyard in the Vatican, accessible on guided tours. It is part of the Vatican Museums and included in the visiting route.
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Typical hours
The courtyard is accessible only during Vatican Museums' opening hours, usually Monday to Saturday. Sundays and holidays it remains closed.
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Photography
Photography in the courtyard is allowed without flash as part of the museum walk. Tripods require special permission.
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Time needed
Time in the Belvedere Courtyard is part of the museum visit, lasting about 10-15 minutes. Allow extra time for photos and architecture.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens. The neighboring Pinacoteca complex is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
Access is through the Vatican Museums entrance, reachable via Viale Vaticano. The nearest metro station is Ottaviano (Line A).
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Insider tip
Look out for the ancient 'Laocoön' frieze displayed in the courtyard. The courtyard is often less crowded than other museum parts.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90600, 12.45400

Facts

  • Designed by Donato Bramante in 1505 to connect the palace and the villa.
  • The original courtyard extended nearly 300 meters across three terraces.
  • It was the first permanent home for the Laocoön group after 1506.
  • The design influenced the gardens of Fontainebleau and the Villa d'Este.
  • Separated into two distinct areas during the reign of Pope Sixtus V.
  • Currently forms part of the exhibition space for the Vatican Museums.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gregorian Egyptian MuseumGregorian Egyptian Museum<1 km · NEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
FarnesinaFarnesina3 km · NExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

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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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Belvedere Courtyard (10)

Galleria dei Candelabri🏛 museum

Gallery with ancient candelabra and sculptures.

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Museo Gregoriano Egizio🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, Egyptian art.

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Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double helix staircase designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

Missionary Ethnological Museum🏛 museum

Ethnological museum with missionary collections.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint overlooking Vatican City.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Belvedere courtyard?
Donato Bramante designed it starting in 1505 at the request of Pope Julius II.
Which buildings does the courtyard connect?
It connects the Apostolic Palace with the Villa Belvedere.
Is the courtyard open to the public?
It is part of the Vatican Museums and can be seen during a museum visit.
What was the original purpose of the courtyard?
It served as an expansive garden and a venue for festivals and tournaments.
What happened to the original large courtyard?
It was later divided into three smaller courtyards by transverse buildings (Vatican Library).
Belvedere Courtyard: where is it located?
Belvedere Courtyard is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Belvedere Courtyard: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galleria dei Candelabri, Museo Gregoriano Egizio, Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo.
Belvedere Courtyard: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Belvedere Courtyard: why is it worth visiting?
The Belvedere Courtyard (Cortile del Belvedere) is a landmark of Renaissance architecture designed by Donato Bramante starting in 1505.
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History & landmarks

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One of the largest and most significant art museums in the world with priceless treasures.
Vatican Library — Belvedere Courtyard (Vatican)
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Apostolic Palace — Belvedere Courtyard (Vatican)
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The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
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Governor&#39;s Palace — Belvedere Courtyard (Vatican)
Governor's Palace
The seat of the government of Vatican City.