Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens are a green oasis rich in history and art, located behind St. Peter’s Basilica. Centuries of tradition, architecture, and spirituality intertwine here, with monuments and spaces illustrating the passage from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period, up to the most recent initiatives for enhancement and conservation.
Location:
Vatican City
Built by:
Pope Nicholas III, Donato Bramante, Pirro Ligorio and others, starting from 1279
What to see:
Lourdes Grotto, Fountain of the Aquilone, Leonine Walls, Monument to St. Peter
Opening hours:
Guided tours by reservation, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Price:
Standard ticket from 25 euros
Transport:
Metro station: Ottaviano
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The Vatican Gardens have their roots in the Middle Ages. In 1279, Pope Nicholas III (Giovanni Gaetano Orsini) chose the area adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica as his residence and spiritual retreat.
With the construction of the first defensive walls, the area was transformed into a true Hortus Conclusus—a sacred, enclosed garden. Within this original nucleus were planted:
Tradition holds that the soil was enriched with holy earth brought by Saint Helena from Calvary, symbolizing the bond between Christ’s sacrifice and the memory of the early martyrs, thus blending spirituality and nature.
With the onset of the Renaissance, the area underwent a profound transformation. Under the commission of Pope Julius II, Donato Bramante redesigned the entire complex, creating a harmonious and geometric landscape.
Bramante divided the complex into three main courtyards:
These spaces, characterized by hedge mazes, paved walkways, and symbolic areas, represent a sublime example of landscape art.
It is important to note that, although they belong to the same historical and artistic heritage of the Vatican complex, the Renaissance courtyards—now an integral part of the Vatican Museums—and the Vatican Gardens are two separate entities:
The Baroque period introduced a new dimension of theatricality and movement to the Vatican Gardens.
Beginning in 1607, thanks to the introduction of a sophisticated water supply system—which brought fresh water from distant sources—the area was enriched with numerous marble and bronze fountains as well as the construction of small temples.
Artists and architects, including the remarkable Pirro Ligorio, decorated the landscape with Mannerist works and dynamic sculptures.
The interplay of water, combined with contrasting materials and the strategic placement of artworks, turned the gardens into an open-air stage, evoking the grandeur of the Empire and the sacredness of the site.
During the 19th century, the influence of the English-style garden led to an evolution of the spaces, introducing more natural and informal areas alongside the traditional Italian-style gardens.
Following the Lateran Pacts of 1929, which confirmed the sovereignty of Vatican City, the area saw significant urban planning work.
During this period, institutional buildings such as the Governorate and Vatican Radio were constructed. Although they integrated with the ancient landscaped splendor, they also exemplified a dialogue between tradition and modernity in a complex state setting of great historical value.
Conservation and Renewal: Restoration and Opening to the Public (2014–present)
Starting in 2014, the Vatican Gardens embarked on an ambitious program of enhancement and conservation.
Under the impetus of Pope Francis, a large-scale restoration project was launched to preserve around 570 artworks and monuments scattered throughout the greenery.
This initiative employed eco-friendly and innovative techniques, using natural, low-impact products such as oregano and thyme essential oils to combat biodeterioration caused by pollution and weather elements.
Within the Vatican Gardens lies a world of history, art, and nature—a complex heritage that includes monuments, palaces, and meticulously maintained green spaces. This unique environment, located in the heart of Vatican City, is the result of centuries of evolution, restorations, and urban interventions that have seamlessly combined tradition with innovation.
Here you will find ancient fortifications, elegant themed gardens, and monuments of extraordinary value, each telling a part of the history and spirituality that permeates the Vatican. Among the most significant sites are those of deep devotion and impressive architectural beauty, certain to amaze visitors with their history and symbolic meaning.
For example, the Lourdes Grotto is a faithful replica of the famous Grotto of Massabielle, which over time has become a place of prayer and meditation, where every May 31 the Pope celebrates Mass in memory of the Marian apparitions. The Leonine Walls, true vestiges of the Vatican’s medieval defenses, bear witness to centuries of history and the pressing need for protection against invasions, while the Monument to St. Peter embodies the devotion and continuity of the Christian tradition over the centuries. Finally, the Fountain of the Aquilone represents a Baroque masterpiece: created by leading architects and sculptors of the time, it showcases papal hydraulic ingenuity and enriches the landscape with its dramatic design, symbolizing the magnificence and historical wealth of the gardens.
These are just a few of the treasures that make up the world of the Vatican Gardens—a place where every corner, every sculpture, and every plant tells a story of a glorious past, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate the cultural and spiritual richness of this extraordinary space.
Located at the southwestern end of the Leonine Walls, between the American Garden and the Marconi Transmission Center of Vatican Radio, Torre San Giovanni stands as an architectural landmark. Although its exact origins are not always documented in detailed historical records, the tower is reminiscent of the ancient tradition of fortification and vigilance that characterizes the Vatican’s defensive walls, dating back centuries.
Positioned in the southwestern quadrant of the Vatican Gardens, the American Garden stretches between the Heliport and the Leonine Walls. This green space is notable for its exotic plants and a layout that—with less rigid arrangements—recalls the English garden model, while still maintaining ties to the Vatican tradition of cultivation and meditative spaces.
The Leonine Walls, erected in the 9th century, represent one of Italy’s most important examples of early medieval fortification. In response to the Saracen threat, the walls were designed to protect the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.
On June 27, 852, Pope Leo IV officially consecrated this imposing structure, which originally had three principal gates: Porta San Pellegrino, still visible behind an elegant colonnade; Porta Saxonum, located near Santo Spirito in Sassia (known in the 16th century as Porta di San Spirito); and Porta Sancti Petri all’Adrianeo, which was greatly expanded and adorned centuries later under Pope Nicholas V.
The walls are characterized by a core of cement work about six meters high, surmounted by a crenellated walkway, and an outer layer built with reused bricks and mortar. The rectangular towers, about 14 meters high, are divided into areas for storage, guard duty, and water supply. In subsequent eras, figures such as Nicholas III, Popes Boniface IX, Alexander V, and John XXIII undertook interventions to strengthen and reshape the walls, including the famous “Passetto di Borgo,” which connected the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens is a faithful replica of the famous Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. It was donated on June 1, 1902, by the Bishop of Tarbes, François-Xavier Schoepfer, to Pope Leo XIII, and was built by the architect of the Sacred Apostolic Palaces, Costantino Sneider.
Since its inauguration, in the presence of Pope Leo XIII and the donating bishop, the grotto has played a central role in the Vatican’s spiritual life. It is particularly significant for Marian devotion: every May 31, at the end of the monthly procession, the Pope visits the grotto to celebrate Mass, thereby strengthening the bond between devotion and tradition.
Over the years, the grotto has undergone various changes: in 1905, a scaled reproduction of the surrounding area was added, featuring a spire flanked by sets of stairs, then solemnly inaugurated by Pope Pius X. Later, in 1960, the altar of the apparitions—brought from Lourdes—was donated to Pope John XXIII, and in 1962 that same Pope adjusted the current layout by removing the two lateral staircases that disrupted the architectural balance.
It is located on the Piazzale della Grotta, on the eastern side of the Leonine Walls.
Situated between the Marconi Transmission Center (to the southwest) and the Ethiopian College (to the northeast), the Italian Garden embodies the Renaissance tradition of gardening, characterized by regular geometries, symmetries, and meticulously maintained parterres. This space reflects the pursuit of order and beauty typical of the era, where nature and architecture merge in harmony.
Located east of the Palazzo del Governatorato and surrounded by the Italian and French-style gardens, the Ethiopian College is an accommodation and training facility for members of the Ethiopian Christian tradition. Its presence highlights the historical and cultural ties between the Holy See and the Eastern Church, underscoring the universal dimension of Christianity.
Positioned behind the railway station, in the garden southeast of the Marconi Transmission Center, the Fountain of the Conchiglia (Italian for “shell”) owes its name to the decorative marine symbol. It adds an ornamental touch to the landscape, suggesting a connection with the Vatican’s iconographic tradition and the importance of natural symbolism.
Situated within the Leonine Walls, between Torre San Giovanni (to the east) and the Italian Garden (to the north), the Marconi Transmission Center houses Vatican Radio. Founded to communicate the Gospel’s message and the activities of the Holy See, it has played a fundamental role in the evolution of ecclesiastical media since its establishment.
Adjacent to the Leonine Walls and south of the Vatican Radio Directorate, the French Garden is characterized by the rigor and formal order typical of French-style gardens. Its geometric layout, with symmetrical flowerbeds and ornamental details, creates a striking contrast with the more natural spaces found in other areas of the Vatican Gardens.
Located to the left of the American Garden at the westernmost edge of Vatican City, the Heliport is used for official transport and serves as a modern point of entry in a context deeply tied to history and tradition. Although not a conventional tourist destination, its functional role and strategic position make it essential for understanding how innovation is integrated into this historic environment.
This area lies between the French Garden (to the south) and the English Garden (to the north). Called the “Directorate of Vatican Radio,” it hosts the spaces and services related to the Holy See’s communication activities, representing a functional hub within the complex.
Situated below the English Garden, the Monastero Mater Ecclesiae is a structure dedicated to contemplative life and spiritual retreats. Although it has a more modest role compared to other monumental buildings, the monastery preserves the tradition of seclusion and prayer—essential aspects of the Vatican’s history.
Positioned east of the Monastero Mater Ecclesiae, the Fountain of the Aquilone (also known as the Fountain of the Scoglio) is a splendid example of Baroque art and hydraulic engineering, built to celebrate the renovated aqueduct known as Acqua Paola.
Construction began in the autumn of 1611, during the pontificate of Pope Paul V. The project was designed by the Dutch architect Jan van Santen, known in Italian as Giovanni Vasanzio, with the assistance of Carlo Maderno and the collaboration of the skilled hydraulic engineer and fountain specialist Martino Ferrabosco.
The fountain features priceless sculptural works: in the niche at the far right is a bronze triton attributed to Stefano Maderno, an influential figure who may also have inspired Gian Lorenzo Bernini. On the sides, two imposing griffins sculpted by Carlo Fancelli recall the emblem of the Borghese family, which includes a griffin surmounted by an eagle, symbolizing strength and nobility.
The monument stands out for its large elliptical travertine basin, embellished with insets, niches, and small waterfalls that feed into the central pool. These elements, combined with naturalistic and decorative details, make the Fountain of the Aquilone a true Baroque masterpiece, symbolizing the synergy between art, architecture, and hydraulic technology. Over time, due to wear, the left-hand triton statue has been replaced with a replica, while the original has been preserved on the adjacent lawn, underscoring its priceless historical and artistic significance.
Located south of the Fountain of the Aquilone and beyond the Leonine Walls, the Vegetable Garden is an area devoted to cultivation. Its historical roots connect to the medieval “gardens of simples,” where medicinal and culinary plants were grown, reflecting the profound bond between nature and the Pope’s spiritual well-being.
Set between the Viale del Bosco and the Viale del Giardino Quadrato, this area is characterized by the informal and natural style typical of English gardens. The English Garden offers wide green lawns, gently rolling terrain, and less structured vegetation, creating a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. To the south, it borders the Directorate of Vatican Radio, the Monastero Mater Ecclesiae, and the Fountain of the Aquilone, while to the north it faces the Torre del Gallinaro and the Vatican Gardens’ Greenhouses.
Situated at the northwestern edge of the Vatican Gardens, the Torre del Gallinaro is a structure which, though modest in size, recalls the defensive past of the complex. Traditionally, similar towers were used for surveillance or perimeter control, and today it remains a distinctive feature of the landscape.
Facing the English Garden, to the right of the Torre del Gallinaro, the Vatican Gardens’ Greenhouses are enclosed spaces dedicated to growing exotic and rare species. They are both a botanical conservation area and a site of experimentation, offering visitors a glimpse of the diverse plant varieties that enrich the Vatican’s green heritage.
The Giardino Quadrato (Quadrangular Garden) is located in front of the Vatican Museums’ Picture Gallery and extends into the northeastern part of the Vatican Gardens. Characterized by a geometric and orderly layout, this garden reflects the principles of beauty and proportion typical of the Renaissance tradition, serving as an elegant frame for art and history.
Situated between the Monument to St. Peter (to the south) and the Giardino Quadrato (to the north), the Casina Pio IV is a refined Renaissance building that houses the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Completed in 1558 during the pontificate of Pius IV, the structure symbolizes the synergy of art, science, and spirituality, continuing today as an important center of study and research within the Holy See.
The Monument to St. Peter is the spiritual heart of the Vatican Gardens and a vibrant tribute to the Church’s founder. Located in the central square, this monument pays homage to St. Peter, the first Pope, and represents the core of Christian faith.
Crafted from precious materials such as marble and bronze, it features reliefs and sculptures that depict significant episodes of St. Peter’s life and martyrdom. Over the centuries, numerous restorations have preserved its grandeur, adapting its style to the architectural and artistic transformations of the Vatican.
The monument’s presence is not only a historical tribute but also a gathering point for pilgrims and visitors, who congregate here for reflection and to renew their spirituality. Its strategic location and richly detailed iconography make it an essential stop for anyone seeking a deeper immersion in the sacred history and art of the Vatican.
Situated to the east, in front of the Casina Pio IV and near Piazza del Forno, the Fountain of the Blessed Sacrament symbolically unites the element of water—source of life and purification—with sacred iconography, creating an atmosphere of devotion and beauty.
Located between the Monument to St. Peter (to the north) and the Palazzo del Governatorato, the Casa dei Giardiniere houses the staff responsible for maintaining the Vatican’s extensive green areas. It represents the operational and historical link between people and nature, essential for preserving such a unique heritage.
Positioned between the Casa dei Giardiniere and the Palazzo del Governatorato, the Fountain of St. Joseph pays homage to the patron saint of workers and craftsmen. Its presence—both symbolic and decorative—emphasizes the fundamental role of daily devotion in garden care.
Nestled to the left of the Palazzo del Governatorato, this church is a place of worship dedicated to Santa Maria Regina della Famiglia (Holy Mary, Queen of the Family). With its sober architecture and intimate ambiance, it provides a spiritual focal point for the Vatican community and visitors seeking reflection and prayer.
On the western axis of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Palazzo del Governatorato (Governorate Palace) is an imposing administrative building that oversees the daily affairs of the State of Vatican City. Its strategic location and impressive architecture attest to the historical and institutional continuity of the Holy See.
Located southeast of the Palazzo del Governatorato, the Church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini is dedicated to the Abyssinian community and represents the link between the Catholic Church and African-Ethiopian liturgical traditions. Its architectural style and interior, influenced by Eastern traditions, make it a particularly evocative place of worship.
This building, located in the southeastern area of the Vatican Gardens, facing the railway station, once housed the judicial functions of the Holy See. The Palazzo del Tribunale stands out for its austere, imposing façade, reflecting centuries of administrative and judicial history within the Vatican.
South of St. Peter’s Basilica and between the Palazzo del Tribunale and the Basilica’s Sacristy, Piazza Santa Marta serves as a gathering and transit space. Its name honors Saint Martha, a symbol of hospitality and care, and it bears witness to the bustle of daily life within the Vatican complex.
Located opposite Piazza della Stazione Ferroviaria, south of the Palazzo del Governatorato, the Station is the railway hub that historically enabled the movement of people and goods within and beyond the Vatican. It remains a key infrastructural element in modern Vatican City.
East of the Station and south of the Palazzo del Tribunale, the Palazzina dell’Arciprete (Archpriest’s Residence) is a historic building once occupied by the person in charge of internal religious affairs. Its architecture, simple yet elegant, underscores its historical value and pastoral role within the Vatican community.
Situated south of Piazza Santa Marta, the Palazzo San Carlo combines residential and institutional functions. The name, evoking the figure of St. Charles, references traditions of strength and stability, symbolizing the historical continuity of the papal presence in city governance.
South of Piazza Santa Marta and east of Palazzo San Carlo, the Domus Sanctae Martae—also known as the Guesthouse—is designed to accommodate visitors and pilgrims. It embodies the Holy See’s tradition of hospitality and contains artistic and decorative elements that recount its historical journey.
Visits are organized with official guides who lead visitors along a route designed to reveal the secrets and distinctive features of this extraordinary complex. Throughout the tour, you can appreciate the ancient fortifications, elegant fountains, and historic structures that showcase the passage of centuries and the architectural ingenuity of various pontificates.
To make the experience even more complete and convenient, an open bus tour is also available. The itinerary includes:
This route allows you to explore the most significant areas of the complex, offering a comprehensive overview of the scenic and historical wonders of the Vatican Gardens. The guide provides insights into the origins and transformations of each feature, ensuring a culturally and spiritually enriching experience.
To book a visit, you can contact the Vatican Museums Information Office directly or visit the official Vatican City website, where details on dates, times, and access procedures are available. With the proper reservation and an expert guide, every tour of the Vatican Gardens becomes a unique journey through a heritage of inestimable historical and artistic value.
Vatican Gardens: your opinions and comments
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