Despite Vatican City being the smallest independent state in the world, with a land area of only 44 hectares, there is remarkably much greenery within its walls. In total, more than half of Vatican City consists of gardens, parks, and a small forest, collectively forming the Vatican Gardens.
The Vatican Gardens, also known as the Giardini Vaticani, cover over 23 hectares and are located behind the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Situated circa 60 meters above sea level on Vatican Hill, the Vatican Gardens were established during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Originally, the area where the Vatican Gardens now lie was a typical orchard and vineyard. However, when Pope Nicholas III moved to the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, he had the city surrounded by walls and created an orchard with gardens and lawns within Vatican City.
The History of the Giardini Vaticani
During the papacy of Pope Julius II, the landscape of the Vatican Gardens underwent a complete transformation. The original design by Bramante was divided into three courtyards: the Cortili del Belvedere, the della Biblioteca, and the della Pigna. Additionally, a straight defensive wall was constructed, and a labyrinth typical of the Renaissance era was created, separated by umbrella pines and cedar trees. Over time, there have been several modifications to the gardens, with some outbuildings added here and there. Amidst the greenery in the park, various fountains and sculptures can be admired. There is even an artificially constructed grotto in the park dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Beside that a palm tree donated by the Israeli government stands in the garden.
In addition to the abundant greenery, there are also several larger buildings within the Vatican Gardens, including those of Vatican Radio and Villa Pia. Villa Pia is a summer residence built for Pope Pius IV in 1560. Furthermore, in the Giardini Vaticani, there are several forts and other medieval monuments, some of which date back to the 9th century. The garden is surrounded by a wall in the north and south, while to the east, it borders the Vatican Museums.
Click here to book tickets for the Vatican Gardens
Visiting the Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens can only be visited by making a reservation in advance. The guided tours are organized by the Vatican itself and must be booked online. You can book the tour by various platforms, including the Getyourguide website. The audio guided tour of the Vatican Gardens lasts approximately 45 minutes and is conducted via an electrically powered bus with an open roof. The tour includes a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the museums, you do not have the audio tour.
The guided audio tour of the Vatican Gardens, including skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, costs 75 euros per person. Children from the ages of 6 to 17, pay 54 euros per person. Tickets for the audio guided tour of the Vatican Gardens can be booked online by this website.
A bit more, the guided audio tour of the Vatican Gardens, including skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and a skip-the-line ticket for Sant’Angelo that costs 105 euros per person. Children from the ages of 6 to 17, pay 60 euros per person. Tickets for the audio guided tour of the Vatican Gardens can be booked online by this website.
The gardens are open daily, except for certain days such as Christmas. Check the website of the excursion provider for the current opening days of the gardens. When reserving tickets for the Vatican Gardens, you must select a date and time in advance. Subject to changes, you can choose from four time slots: 08:15 am, 09:15 am, 11:15 am, and 12:15 pm.
