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Pope Paul VI Audience Hall

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Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)

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The Pope Paul VI Audience Hall, also known as the Aula Nervi, is a prominent work of modern architecture situated partly in Vatican territory and partly in Italy. It was built between 1966 and 1971 according to the designs of Italian architect Pier Luigi Nervi. The hall is famous for its sculptural reinforced concrete construction and undulating roof, which functions without internal supporting columns to provide an unobstructed view of the Pope for all up to 6,300 visitors. Behind the papal throne stands the monumental bronze sculpture 'La Resurrezione' (The Resurrection) by Pericle Fazzini, depicting Christ rising from an atomic explosion. The hall is primarily used for General Audiences on Wednesdays during winter months or inclement weather and is also equipped with a large pipe organ.

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 Pope Paul VI Audience Hall is a modern building in the Vatican, open to the public during papal audiences. At other times, the interior is usually not accessible.
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Typical hours
The hall is typically open on Wednesday mornings during the general audience. Exact dates and times can be found on the Vatican's official website.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed during the audience, but without flash and without disrupting the proceedings. The modern architecture with the large window has good subjects.
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Time needed
The papal audience lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Travel time and security checks should add 30-60 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens are also worth visiting.
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Getting there
The audience hall is located in Vatican City, accessible via the entrance on Via Paolo VI or through St. Peter's Square. The nearest metro is Ottaviano (Line A).
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Insider tip
Get free tickets for the audience in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Arrive at least one hour early to secure good seats.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90100, 12.45300

Facts

  • The hall was inaugurated on June 30, 1971.
  • It provides seating for a maximum of 6,300 people.
  • The bronze sculpture 'La Resurrezione' weighs about 80 tons.
  • The roof features 2,400 solar panels for energy production.
  • The building is extraterritorial property of the Holy See.
  • Architect Pier Luigi Nervi was a pioneer of concrete construction.

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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.

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Sights in the town Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (10)

Sacristy🏛 museum

Museum in Vatican City, the sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica.

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Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, accessible to visitors.

♿

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, offering views.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the largest Christian churches.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Arch of the Bells

Arch in Vatican City, near St. Peter's Basilica.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, used for private papal masses.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do I need tickets for a general audience?
Yes, free tickets must be requested from the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household.
Where is the hall located?
The hall is located partly in Vatican City and partly in Italy, south of St. Peter's Basilica.
Who designed the hall?
It was designed by architect Pier Luigi Nervi and completed in 1971.
Are there artworks inside?
Yes, the imposing bronze sculpture 'La Resurrezione' by Pericle Fazzini dominates the stage.
What is the capacity of the hall?
The hall can accommodate between 6,300 and 12,000 people, depending on the seating.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall: where is it located?
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sacristy, Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians, Cupola di San Pietro.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall: why is it worth visiting?
The Pope Paul VI Audience Hall, also known as the Aula Nervi, is a prominent work of modern architecture situated partly in Vatican territory and partly in Italy.
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History & landmarks

Vatican Grottoes — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Vatican Grottoes
Underground tomb complexes under St.
Saint Martha&#39;s House — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Saint Martha's House
The current residence of Pope Francis.
Sistine Chapel — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
Governor&#39;s Palace — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Governor's Palace
The seat of the government of Vatican City.
Apostolic Palace — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Apostolic Palace
The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
Vatican Gardens — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Vatican Gardens
An extensive park system that occupies more than half of the state's territory.
Vatican Post Office — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Vatican Post Office
The postal service of the Vatican, known for its own stamps.
Vatican Library — Pope Paul VI Audience Hall (Vatican)
Vatican Library
One of the oldest libraries in the world with extremely valuable manuscripts.