Urban green spaces with Renaissance and Baroque fountains

Explore the Vatican Gardens with an expert guide.

4.7 Rating out of 5
2.695 Reviews on Google
86 € From a ticket
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In short

What Giardini Vaticani is

The Vatican Gardens, located in Vatican City, cover approximately 23 hectares, nearly two-thirds of the Vatican's area. These historic gardens, dating back to the 13th century, feature a blend of Italian, French, and English landscape styles. They serve as a retreat for the Popes, offering a serene and meditative environment with a variety of plant species from around the world.

Within the gardens, there are numerous fountains and historic wells, grottos and chapels, including a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. The garden also hosts key infrastructures such as the Governor's Palace, media buildings, and a heliport. Additionally, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of St. Peter's Basilica's dome.

Access to the Vatican Gardens is only allowed through guided tours or special visits, ensuring a managed and secure experience. Among the points of interest, you can admire the Fontana dell'Aquilone and the Casa del Papa Emerito, as well as the Stazione Radio Vaticana.

The tickets

Tickets for Giardini Vaticani

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Vatican Museums: Fast Track Ticket + Vatican Gardens Tour on a Minibus

Get more out of your trip to Rome and Vatican City

86 €

Ticket details

What's included

  • Assistance at the meeting point
  • Vatican Museums skip-the-line tickets
  • Sistine Chapel skip-the-line tickets
  • 45-minute minibus tour of the Vatican Gardens
  • Multilingual audio guide on the minibus

Not included

  • Audio guide for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Guided tour
  • St. Peter's Basilica and Dome entrance
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Mobile ticket
  • Instant delivery
Buy the ticket
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Vatican Gardens, Museums and Sistine Chapel: Skip the Line + Guided Tour Tickets

Discover the Vatican's treasures on a custom tour with a seasoned guide

3 horas 90 €

Ticket details

Duration: 3 horas

What's included

  • Reserved entrance to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens
  • Professional guide
  • Headsets

Not included

  • Entrance to St. Peter's Dome
  • Food or drinks
  • Pickup
  • Transfers
  • Mobile ticket
  • Instant delivery
Buy the ticket
Its origins

The history

The Vatican Gardens were initially created in the 13th century under Pope Nicholas III as a papal viridarium. Over the centuries, the gardens were reshaped during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, combining different landscape styles and adding decorative elements such as fountains and statues.

Today, the gardens continue to serve as a private space for the Popes, used for walks and prayers. The presence of Marian images from various countries, including the Lourdes Grotto, makes the gardens a concentrated devotional route. The historical and functional elements of the gardens reflect their importance as the operational heart of the microstate.

How you visit

The visit

Visiting the Vatican Gardens is possible only through guided tours or special visits. Tickets often include a 45-minute minibus tour accompanied by a multilingual audio guide, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the various sectors of the gardens, including the Italian, French, and English sections.

Another option is a three-hour guided tour that includes access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. During the tour, a professional guide will provide insights into the historical and artistic aspects of these iconic places. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure access, as visits are limited to a few tours per day.

The gardens offer shaded seating and water fountains for refilling bottles, a useful comfort on hot days. Accessible parking and entrances are available for wheelchair-bound visitors.

When it opens

Opening hours

Monday 9:00–18:00
Tuesday 9:00–18:00
Wednesday 9:00–18:00
Thursday 9:00–18:00
Friday 9:00–18:00
Saturday 9:00–18:00
Sunday Closed

Hours from the Google record, current as of publication.

The reviews

What visitors say

Many visitors appreciate the tranquility of the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful retreat away from the crowds of the Vatican Museums. Reviews highlight the beauty of the different landscape styles and the variety of plant species present.

Expert guides receive praise for their knowledge and the way they enrich the tour experience. Visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking views of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, offering a unique photo opportunity.

Some visitors mention the convenience of shaded areas and water fountains, ideal for cooling off on hot days. The ability to refill water bottles is considered a great advantage.

The location

Where it is

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, Vatican City

Around here

What's nearby

Eat nearby

See nearby

Getting around

Photos by Il Treppio, Giuseppe Fracchiolla, Lucio Virzi', La Fornace Ristorante & Pizzeria dal 1950, Suleyman Bilaloglu, nex7 Map, Valentin Orlov, Gra J, Matteo, Niall Ashley (NiallAshes), Pablo G., via Google.

Questions

Questions about visiting

How can you visit the Vatican Gardens?

Access is only allowed through guided tours or special visits.

How long is the minibus tour of the Vatican Gardens?

The minibus tour lasts 45 minutes and includes an audio guide.

Are there accessible facilities for wheelchair users?

Yes, accessible parking and entrances are available.

Nearby

Other places in Roma