{"id":9515,"date":"2022-01-26T18:02:14","date_gmt":"2022-01-26T18:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/vatican-gardens\/"},"modified":"2024-09-11T13:10:41","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T13:10:41","slug":"vatican-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/vatican-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vatican Gardens in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Fun fact! the Vatican Gardens cover over 50% of the surface of Vatican City, which is the smallest state in the world!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While visiting the Vatican Gardens isn\u2019t an absolute must, it\u2019s a delight for botanical enthusiasts and worth a stop if your schedule allows.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the guide!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Insider<\/strong> Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top tip:<\/strong> Free guided city tour<\/a> (in English)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodations:<\/strong> all our tips recommendations <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan your stay:<\/strong> the complete guide to Rome<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visiting Rome with children:<\/strong> all our tips<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Brief History of the Vatican Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Vatican Gardens date back to the Middle Ages when they consisted mostly of vineyards and orchards on the Vatican Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 13th<\/sup> century, Pope Nicholas III moved the papal residence from the Lateran Palace (next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran<\/a>) to the Vatican and enclosed part of the gardens, creating lawns and garden areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the most significant changes came later. In the 16th<\/sup> century, Pope Julius II undertook a grand redesign of the gardens in the Renaissance style. Architects Bramante (known for his work on St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/a>) 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\u2019s original wall with a grand defensive structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exploring the Vatican Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botany enthusiasts will find Mediterranean plants and flowers as well as more exotic species from distant lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The gardens are dotted with medieval relics, Renaissance buildings (temples, pavilions), fountains, and statues. Notable highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n