The Vatican Gardens in Rome

Fun fact! the Vatican Gardens cover over 50% of the surface of Vatican City, which is the smallest state in the world!

While visiting the Vatican Gardens isn’t an absolute must, it’s a delight for botanical enthusiasts and worth a stop if your schedule allows.

Follow the guide!

A Brief History of the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens date back to the Middle Ages when they consisted mostly of vineyards and orchards on the Vatican Hill.

In the 13^th century, Pope Nicholas III moved the papal residence from the Lateran Palace (next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran) to the Vatican and enclosed part of the gardens, creating lawns and garden areas.

However, the most significant changes came later. In the 16^th century, Pope Julius II undertook a grand redesign of the gardens in the Renaissance style. Architects Bramante (known for his work on St. Peter’s Basilica) and Pirro Ligorio oversaw the creation of the Belvedere Gardens and a large rectangular labyrinth made of boxwood, stone pines, and Lebanese cedars. They also replaced Nicholas III’s original wall with a grand defensive structure.

Exploring the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens cover nearly 23 hectares, featuring a square garden, an English garden, a French garden, an Italian garden, a vegetable garden, and a vast 3-hectare wooded area.

Botany enthusiasts will find Mediterranean plants and flowers as well as more exotic species from distant lands.

The gardens are dotted with medieval relics, Renaissance buildings (temples, pavilions), fountains, and statues. Notable highlights include:

• The Replica of the Lourdes Grotto: Built in the early 20^th century, this artificial grotto is an exact replica of the famous Lourdes Grotto.
• The Statue of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: A French nun born in 1873, St. Thérèse became famous for her spiritual writings, which have inspired devotion worldwide.
  
  
• The Mater Ecclesiae Monastery: Formerly a gardener’s house, this monastery was expanded in the 1990s and has been the residence of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI since his resignation in 2013.
• The Tower of St. John: Built during the Middle Ages, this tower is attached to the wall erected by Pope Nicholas III.
• The Jubilee Bell of the Year 2000: This bell was commissioned by Pope John Paul II for the Jubilee of the year 2000.
• Vatican Radio Station: The headquarters of Vatican Radio, which has been broadcasting since the 1930s in 40 languages, is located within the gardens.
• Vatican Railway Station: Constructed between the late 1920s and early 1930s, this railway station has mostly been used for freight, as popes generally prefer to travel by plane!

Practical Information

Getting to the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican is open Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays (except for the last Sunday of each month) and on religious holidays.

The Vatican Gardens are located behind St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The nearest metro station is Cipro-Musei Vaticani (Line A). Many buses, including hop-on-hop-off tourist buses, also stop near the Vatican.

Visits of the Vatican Gardens

Unfortunately, independent tours of the Vatican Gardens are not allowed. The only way to visit is through a guided tour. As spots are limited, it’s best to book in advance.

For more details: Vatican Gardens Guided Tour (with or without access to the Vatican Museums)

Avoid long lines: book your tickets and tours for Rome!

Credits
Pierre_Bn | João Trindade | Gabriella Clare Marino