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Vatican Gardens

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Vatican Gardens (Vatican)

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The Vatican Gardens cover approximately 23 hectares, accounting for more than half of the total area of Vatican City. Their origins date back to 1279 when Pope Nicholas III moved the papal residence from the Lateran back to the Vatican and enclosed the area with walls. Within this perimeter, he established an orchard, a lawn, and a formal garden. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the area was extensively redesigned by architects such as Donato Bramante and Pirro Ligorio, who added numerous fountains, statues, and small temples. Today, the gardens present a complex park landscape that combines various styles, including Italian, French, and English garden design. In addition to serving as a place of meditation for the Popes, the gardens also house important administrative buildings such as the Governorate Palace and the towers of Vatican Radio.

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 Vatican Gardens can only be visited on an official guided tour. Independent walks are not allowed.
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Typical hours
Tours typically take place in the morning, with exact times varying seasonally. Advance booking is mandatory.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed during the tour. Tripods or drones are not permitted.
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Time needed
The garden tour lasts about two hours. Allow extra time for travel and security checks before and after the tour.
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Combine with
The tour usually starts at the Vatican Museums, so you can easily combine them. St. Peter's Basilica is also nearby.
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Getting there
The meeting point for the tour is usually at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. It is easily reached by bus or metro (Ottaviano station).
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Insider tip
Book the tour at least two weeks in advance as spaces are limited. Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen as much walking is outdoors.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90300, 12.44900

Facts

  • The gardens span approximately 23 hectares of land.
  • Pope Nicholas III established the area in the year 1279.
  • The Casina Pio IV was built in 1558 as a papal villa.
  • The gardens contain several grottoes, including a replica of Lourdes.
  • The Governorate Palace was constructed between 1927 and 1931.
  • The Vatican Heliport has been operational in the gardens since 1976.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mirror GardenMirror Garden<1 km · NExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
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 Vatican Gardens (10)

Lourdes Grotto

A building in Vatican City, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome that is the location of St. Peter's Basilica.

St Mary's Church

A church building in Vatican City.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

A building in Vatican City, a tower in the gardens.

Porta Pertusa

A building in Rome, Italy, a gate in the Vatican wall.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City, dedicated to Ethiopian Christians.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican.

Cupola di San Pietro

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

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, a viewpoint.

Saint Peter's Basilica

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How can the Vatican Gardens be visited?
Only through an official guided tour, which must be booked in advance.
Are there bus tours?
Yes, there are tours with an ecological panoramic bus through the gardens.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) is convenient when the flowers and plants are in full bloom.
Are children allowed in the gardens?
Yes, children are welcome but must stay with their parents throughout the tour.
How long does the garden tour last?
The tours usually last about 2 hours.
Vatican Gardens: where is it located?
Vatican Gardens is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Vatican Gardens: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, Vatican Hill, St Mary's Church.
Vatican Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Gardens cover approximately 23 hectares, accounting for more than half of the total area of Vatican City.
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History & landmarks

Governor&#39;s Palace — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Governor's Palace
The seat of the government of Vatican City.
Casina Pio IV — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Casina Pio IV
The seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Vatican Observatory — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Vatican Observatory
One of the oldest astronomical research institutes in the world.
Vatican Heliport — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Vatican Heliport
The Pope's heliport in the westernmost part of the Vatican.
Saint Martha&#39;s House — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Saint Martha's House
The current residence of Pope Francis.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall
A modern building for papal general audiences.
Vatican Grottoes — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Vatican Grottoes
Underground tomb complexes under St.
Sistine Chapel — Vatican Gardens (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.