Visit Vatican Gardens & Explore World's Most Popular Monument

About Gardens of Vatican City

It occupies most of Vatican Hill and spans about 23 hectares that consists of several medieval fortifications, buildings, and monuments of the Renaissance and the Baroque, with gardens, parks, orchards,s and a wooded area of 3 hectares.

The Vatican Gardens have evolved into a complex environment of forests, ancient structures, sculptures, and flowery expansion. One should make sure they have a guide to show you around as only in the presence of an expert certified guide is it possible to travel around these lush gardens. This one-of-a-kind trip takes you to the most iconic sites, including the Giardino Quadrato, the Casio Pius IV, the Fontana dell'Aquilone, and the Grotta di Lourdes, the memorial to John Paul II's assassination attempt, the Vatican Radio complex, and many more.Visit to vatican Gardens will provide a , know about the life functions in the Vatican State and how the people go on with their daily work. At the end of this tour of the Vatican garden, you can also visit the various Museums within the Vatican Garden and also sites like Sistine Chapel and explore these places on your own.

Vatican Gardens Highlights

Saint John’s Tower: From this ancient tower, you may get some beautiful views over the gardens and the surrounding city. This tower area is now mostly utilized for papal residences. It has also hosted significant events throughout the years, including Pope Benedict XVI's 2008 visit with former US President George W. Bush.
The wondrous views of this fountain give you sense of refreshment and joy while you explore the beauty of the Vatican gardens.
The Lourdes Grotto: A recreation of the pilgrimage cave in Massabielle, France, where Bernadette Soubirous, a little girl, experienced a vision of the Madonna.
Papal coat of Arms: It is made from hedges and this features a crown and also has the keys to St. Peter planted in colourful perennials.
Palazza di Leone XIII: There are two fountains, lush green shrubberies, climbing rose arches and the Pope’s last exotic tree planted before his death. This structure was built in honour of Pope Leo XIII.
Images of Mary: Representations of Mary were collected here in 1902. It now has about 17 images of Maria and they represent the prayers of virgin Mary in many languages and cultures.
Governor’s Palace: A place where the main Government of the city is located and this palace is situated right behind St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Gardens are also equipped with Vatican Heliport, a train station which can be used by Papal only and a radio station which can be accessed by the general public

History of Vatican Gardens

When we look at the Vatican Garden History we would find various gardens stem from the Middle Ages when the Papal Apostolic Palace was surrounded by orchards and vineyards to the north. The location received a massive re-landscaping under Pope Julius II's reign in the early 16th century. The Cortile del Belvedere, the "Della Biblioteca," and the "Della Pigna" were created after Donato Bramante's original concept was broken into three more Renaissance-style courtyards. In the Renaissance style, a rectangular maze was constructed out of boxwood (trees and bushes and small evergreen trees) and framed with pinewood and Lebanon cedar. Where Nicholas III had built a wall, Bramante built a large defensive rectilinear wall.

Various fountains, statues, and artificial caves may be seen in the Vatican Gardens today, all of which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Since the end of 2014, the Vatican Museums and the Governorate of Vatican City State's Directorate of Technical Services have been working on the repair and conservation of a number of stone artifacts in the gardens. The goal of the initiative was to protect artifacts with the Vatican Garden History and its significance from decaying.

Interesting Facts of Vatican Gardens Facts

Visitors enjoy free admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel after finishing the guided tour of the Vatican Gardens.
The Vatican City is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Monument since it is the only site that encompasses a whole nation,especially because of the gardens it has become more renowned.
The water for the fountains at the Vatican Gardens is supplied by the Trajan Aqueduct from Bracciano Lake, which Pope Paul IV repaired in the 1600s.
Throughout history, many animals such as goats, deers, and gazelles have lived in gardens.
Marconi founded the Vatican Radio, which is housed on the grounds of the Vatican Gardens and broadcasts in 45 languages throughout the world.
The gardens' current construction is credited to Pope Julius II, while more work was done under Popes Clement VII and Paul III. They created the Vatican Gardens' "hidden garden."

Plan your Visit to Vatican Garden

Essential Information

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Why visit the Vatican Gardens?

Things to see at the Vatican Gardens

Timings:- Thursday- Saturday - 9 AM - 6 PM

Monday - Tuesday - 9 AM - 6 PM
Wednesdays and Sundays are closed and on December 8th, 25th and 26th, January 1st and 6th, and Easter Sunday.

Best Time to visit:

In general, the Vatican sees fewer visitors during the winter months. Therefore, you may visit Rome from December to February for a more relaxing experience and to see the Vatican at your own speed. You should avoid going around Christmas and New Year's unless absolutely necessary to avoid overcrowding