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Visiting The Vatican Gardens - Enjoy This Exclusive Visit!

By Elyssa Bernard

November 23, 2023

The Vatican Gardens  are some of the most beautiful most exclusive gardens in Rome.

To visit them, you need to plan ahead. Here's how.

The Vatican Gardens - Everything You Need to Know

If you're wondering whether you should try to fit in a visit to the Vatican Gardens, or are even wondering what they are, let me tell you - they are so worth visiting!

It's never crowded, as they only accept a few reservations every day they are open.

And be prepared for views of Saint Peter's Basilica unlike any other.

To visit the gardens at the Vatican, here's what you need to know:

• What's included in a visit
• What's the difference between the gardens at the Vatican and the garden at the Pope's summer residence ?
• How long will the tour take ?
• Can you visit the Vatican Gardens on the same day as the Papal Audience/Scavi Tour/Vatican Museums ?
• Opening times, costs, and how to book a visit
• Can you book a visit without a guide ?
• Is there an option to see the gardens for visitors in wheelchairs ?
• Is this visit part of the Omnia Pass ?

What's included in a visit to the gardens at the Vatican

Gardens, fountains, views, sacred sites.

On your visit to these gardens, you will see beautifully curated mini-gardens . . .

 . . . fountains and sculptures . . .

 . . . a harmonious balance of trees, bushes, and flowers along delightful shaded walkways . . .

 . . . stunning views of St. Peter's dome from almost every angle . . .

 . . . and important holy sites, such as the  Grotta di Lourdes , a  replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France.

Brief History of Vatican City eBook

The history of the Vatican stretches back thousands of years, and to know everything about this incredible micro-state would take a lifetime to learn.

With this eBook, discover the brief history of Vatican City - where it got its name, who built the basilica, where the Popes are buried and more!

Topics covered include:

• Details about the Vatican's origin , going back to the time of Ancient Rome
• The role important artists such as Michelangelo played in the creation of the Vatican as we know it today 
• How the Vatican came to be an independent city state within the boundaries of Rome

What else is included in this Brief History of Vatican City e-book?

• 50+ pages of information covering all areas of the Vatican's history
• Dozens of stunning and original photos showcasing the Vatican
• Insightful diagrams and drawings to help illustrate the more detailed elements of the Vatican's history
• + much more!

Look inside:

Only $8.99!

Vatican museums.

When you book your walking or bus tour of the Vatican Gardens, your ticket will allow you  entry to the Vatican Museums , which includes the  Sistine Chapel .

(It does not include a guided tour of the museums, though.)

This is one fantastic way to skip the line at the Vatican Museums .

You not only get exclusive entry with no waiting, but you will have seen the special gardens that most visitors never get to see. For more secret tips and tricks to visiting the Vatican, check out this guide .

Some very important things to note about your Vatican Gardens ticket and entry to the Vatican Museums:

• The Vatican Gardens visit includes a tour, but when you enter the Vatican Museums, there is no tour included for the Museums . So if you want a tour of the Museums also, your choices are to a) get the audioguide for the museums (must be purchased separately and can be purchased on site), b)  book a ticket that includes a guided tour of both the gardens and the museums . 
• I get asked this all the time, so here is the definitive answer: Once you visit the Vatican Gardens, you then have to go right into the Vatican Museums. You cannot leave and have lunch and come back . Think of the gardens and the museums as being one entity. There is no re-entry . (There are places to eat inside the Vatican Museums.)
• The Vatican Gardens tours are always in the morning/late morning. So your visit to the Vatican Museums will be sometime around noon/1pm . If you want to visit the Vatican Museums right when they open at 8AM, or, later in the day, you will need to purchase separate tickets to the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens .
• It is not possible to wander around the gardens on your own. You must be either on the bus tour or with a guide on a walking tour.

Saint Peter's Basilica

When you book a tour of the Vatican Gardens, it comes with tickets to the Vatican Museums .

As I mentioned above, this part of the visit does NOT include a guided tour of the museums, which means that you will NOT be able to take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to Saint Peter's Basilica.

You can only take the shortcut  from the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

So as of now, you cannot take the shortcut  unless you are on a tour , but finding a tour that includes the Vatican gardens, the museums and the basilica is rare.

Entry to Saint Peter's Basilica is free, but you will have to leave the Vatican Museums and go into the basilica from the front. This means waiting in line and going through security again.

There is no "skip the line" ticket for Saint Peter's Basilica as the church is free , but everyone must go through security.

When you visit the Vatican Museums , you already have to go through security, so if you are able to take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica by joining a tour that includes this, you will save a LOT of time by not having to walk all the way back around, and going through security again.

For ways to skip the line at the basilica, visit my page about St. Peter's Basilica here.

What's the difference between the gardens at the Vatican and the garden at the Pope's summer residence?

There are actually two "Vatican Gardens."

The gardens right behind St. Peter's Basilica , are the most famous and most popular.

There are also the gardens at the Papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo , just half an hour outside Rome.

There, you can visit the  Pontifical  Palace , and see the pope's private Barberini gardens , which were opened to the public only in 2014 by Pope Francis. 

You can visit either of the gardens, right at the Vatican , or at Castel Gandolfo, or, you can see them both in one day .

This fantastic full-day tour takes you to the Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel, then the Gardens in Rome, and then to Castel Gandolfo where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. *

*Please note you do not have a guide with you on the train to and from Castel Gandolfo.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

How long does it take to tour the gardens at the Vatican?

A visit to the Vatican Gardens can take 2-3 hours or a full day, depending on how you choose to visit:

Walking Tour of the Vatican Gardens

The guided walking tour of the gardens alone will take 1.5 hours.

Then, your ticket allows entry to the Vatican Museums , where you will visit on your own.

Normally this visit takes around 2 hours.

If you book the Gardens + Museums combo guided tour , they say it takes 3 hours, which means they go at a fairly steady pace.

If you plan to visit  St. Peter's Basilica , add at least an hour + the time to get to the basilica and wait in line.

Bus Tour of the Vatican Gardens

The bus tour of the gardens is 45 minutes.

It does not stop and you cannot get off.

This is a shorter tour, but can be ideal for anyone with walking issues .

Then, add the option of the Vatican Museums (about 2 hours) so count on at least 3 hours.

Book your Vatican Gardens bus tour here .

You are not obliged to go through the Vatican Museums or to visit Saint Peter's Basilica.

If you have limited time, and/or have already visited those sites, you may simply leave after your garden tour.

All Day tour including the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo

If you choose to include a visit to the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo , it is an all day visit beginning at the Vatican at 8am, and ending back at the Vatican at about 6pm. 

You can also book a tour of JUST the gardens at the Pope's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo .

This makes for a fascinating and unusual day trip out of Rome .

A guided tour of the Apostolic Palace, the Barberini gardens, and lunch on the Pope's farm are all included!

How to plan all your Vatican visits

When you book  a visit to the Vatican Gardens, you will automatically get entry to the  Vatican Museums .

So plan for at least a 3-4 hour visit.

If you want to also visit Saint Peter's Basilica on the same day, you can either go at 7 AM when it opens, or after your museums tour, probably after a short lunch break.

If you visit the Basilica in the morning, you could then have the other half the day to do other things (although you will likely be tired as that is a lot of activity for one morning!)

If you visit the Basilica after your Vatican Museums visit, this will likely take up the rest of your day.

Visiting the basilica can take maybe an hour.

Once inside  Saint Peter's Basilica , you can  climb the dome  (for a fee) and/or visit the grottos just below the altar where many popes are entombed (free.)

Plan for yet another hour. Just make sure to climb the dome before it closes, which is about an hour earlier than the basilica itself.

Do you want to also know how to fit in a visit to the Vatican necropolis (St. Peter's tomb) , and/or the Papal Audience ?

Visit my page about this .

Ready to plan your trip?

How to book a visit to the Vatican Gardens

Opening days/hours of the vatican gardens.

The Vatican gardens are open Monday - Saturday.

They are closed Sundays and on Catholic holidays, and/or when the pope conducts mass at St. Peter's basilica, including December 8, 25 and 26, January 1 and 6, Easter Sunday , and more.

To see all closing dates for a given year, check the Vatican Museums calendar online .

Although the gardens are open the same dates as the museums, visiting hours are restricted to mid-late mornings . 

Walking tours are not available on Wednesdays when there is a Papal audience . Bus tours are.

You can book a walking tour that begins at  9:30 or 11am.

You can book a bus tour that begins somewhere from 8:15 am to 12:45 pm (last departure.)

The all-day tour that includes a train visit to Castel Gandolfo must be booked for an early start at 8am.

The tours are available in different languages but the most commonly offered is in English.

If you choose another language, you may find limited availability.

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Book on the Vatican Website

You can easily book a tour of the Vatican Gardens on the official  Vatican website . 

Click " Vatican Gardens ", which takes you to the page with all the options.

There you can select different garden tours. 

Costs vary depending on the type of tour you book.

Book through an Authorized vendor

If you have trouble with the Vatican website, or don't find availability there, you might want to try booking the same ticket through the authorized vendor Tiqets .

There is a small booking fee but the ease of use makes up for it. 

Also you may find more availability through Tiqets.

Book a Tour

Whether you book a walking or bus tour of the Vatican Gardens, your ticket allows you entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel .

When you book the Vatican Gardens, you will either have a human guide on the walking tour, or an audio-guide on the bus tour.

After that however,  you will not have a guide for the Vatican Museums , just entry.

So if you would like a guide (which I highly recommend), you can book a tour that includes a guided tour of the Vatican Museums .

In my opinion it is a much better way to visit the Vatican Museums, and makes for a smoother and less tiring day.

You cannot visit the Vatican Gardens without booking a tour.

If you take the shorter bus tour, there is just an audio-guide and not a human.

However, you are not allowed to get off the bus.

Options to see the gardens for people in wheelchairs

Yes it's possible for those with mobility problems or who are in a wheelchair to visit these wonderful gardens.

However, there is no regularly scheduled tour.

You need to write to the Vatican and ask for a time slot and guide.

Visitors in wheelchairs may of course be accompanied on the tour by their companions and/or care-givers.

Visit the official Vatican website for more details and how to book.

Bathrooms inside the Vatican Gardens

Yes, there are bathrooms in more than one spot inside the Vatican Gardens.

They are quite discretely hidden, so just ask your guide where to find them.

Using the Omnia Pass

The Omnia Pass is a great combo pass that gives you access to the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's basilica, San Giovanni and many Rome sites such as the Colosseum, Galleria Borghese and much more.

However, the gardens at the Vatican are not included .

If you want to visit the Vatican Gardens, I'd suggest booking them separately (which includes the Vatican Museums), and then purchasing the Roma Pass , which has nothing to do with Vatican sites.

Or try the Turbo Pass which does include the Vatican Gardens.

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
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Vatican Garden Tickets & Tours

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

• From the world-famous Sistine Chapel to the extensive art collections of the Vatican Museums, uncover it all on this unforgettable tour.
• Discover the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a sanctuary of faith and artistic beauty, with skip-the-line entry and self-guided exploration.
• Journey through centuries of history as an expert guide reveals the stories and secrets behind the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
• Behold the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of one of history's greatest artists.
• Choose between local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guides who will regale you with intriguing anecdotes.
• Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
• Expert local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese-speaking guide
• Audio equipment
• Group tour of 25 or less
• Tip: Avoid booking on Wednesdays! Did you know the Pope speaks in St Peter's Square Wednesday mornings? Sometimes this results in last-min closures, so plan for another day if possible.
• The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
• Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
• Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
• The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.
• The Basilica may be subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it is closed, the tour will be extended inside the museums.
• St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed on Wednesday mornings and afternoons as the Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. If you’re considering visiting St. Peter's Basilica, please make plans for another day.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

• Make the most out of your visit and jump straight into the action. Skip the line with this guided tour, bypassing long queues at the Vatican Museums.
• Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? The expert guides share stories and hidden symbolism behind artworks, adding a whole new dimension to your experience.
• With unforgettable masterpieces and exquisite art, explore a vast collection spanning centuries, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance marvels.
• Tour in the language of your comfort. Choose from English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking guides.
• Discover Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of Italy's most renowned artist.
• Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museums
• Priority entry to the Sistine Chapel
• Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking local guide (as per option selected)
• Group size (up to 25)
• Tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• Please be dressed appropriately. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted.
• Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
• It is recommended to cover tattoos and any other similarly visible distinctive personal signs.
• Photography and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
• Luggage and/or large bags are not allowed inside the venue. You may drop off your bags with the free cloakroom service.
• Pets and other small animals are not allowed in the venue, with the exception of guide dogs.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

• Discover the Vatican Museums at your leisure with options tailor-made for you! Go solo with direct entrance, or skip long queues with hosted entrance.
• Explore masterpieces by Caravaggio, Da Vinci, and Raphael in the Pinacoteca, then marvel at Renaissance sculptures in the Pio Clementino Museum
• Walk in the footsteps of the Pope(s) as you explore the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms at your own pace.
• Make your way to the crowning jewel of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and marvel at Michelangelo’s famed frescoes.
• Entry to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Hosted entry to Vatican Museums (optional)
• Ticket redemption (optional)
• Booking and handling fees
• St. Peter's Basilica tickets
• Audio guide
• Tip: Watch out for the only painting by Vincent Van Gogh that graces the Vatican Museums - his very own rendition of The Pieta .
• The entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
• The use of mobile phones and photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
• Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St Peter’s Basilica.
• For guests with documentation of disabilities and visible disabilities, entry is free along with an additional ticket for 1 companion.
• Guests opting for the hosted entrance tickets will need to meet the host at the designated check-in location. The exact meeting point will be shared on your ticket.
• Please note that this ticket does not include a guided tour. The host will only assist you to the entrance.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

• Commence your tour by climbing to the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will uncover unmatched panoramic views of Rome from atop Michelangelo’s Cupola.
• Immerse yourself in the genius of the Renaissance on VIP Vatican tour, guided by experts with skip-the-line access.
• Discover the Basilica's Barocco charm and Michelangelo's Pieta. Then, witness Bernini and Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpieces at the Papal Sarcophagi.
• Pay a visit to the beguiling Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the cherished murals here, such as the painted ceiling and The Last Judgement by Michelangelo.
• Skip-the-line VIP access to Vatican Museums
• Admission to the Sistine Chapel
• Admission to the St. Peter’s Basilica
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Dome climb and visit to the Papal Sarcophagi
• Headsets (for groups of six or more)
• Reservation fees
• Transportation
• Food and drinks
• Visit to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
• Tips: Don't forget to look down as you ascend the dome. Through special windows, you can catch glimpses of the basilica's interior below, offering a unique perspective.
• It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
• The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
• Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: tripod, flash photography, knives, weapons, or sharp objects.

Combo (Save 5%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

• Save big with this combo ticket and visit 2 must-see spots in the Eternal City with an expert tour guide.
• Explore the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, while listening to your tour guide relay stories about its past in the language of your choice.
• Look at the most renowned Roman sculptures and paintings at Vatican Museums. Get up and close with masterpieces from the Renaissance period.
• Visit 54 galleries in the Vatican Museums and get a chance to see some of the most impressive art collections in the world.
• Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
• Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide
• Access to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
• Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums with entry
• Expert & charismatic local guide
• Access to the Sistine Chapel
• Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
• Access to St. Peter's Basilica
• Tip: Save some time to visit ancient Rome's largest temple, located right at the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum – the Temple of Venus and Roma.
• For safety and security reasons, no large backpacks or pieces of luggage are allowed inside the Colosseum. No storage facility is available. You can, however, take a baby stroller into the Colosseum with you, should it be necessary.
• Tip: Keep your cameras ready to capture the dizzyingly stunning spiral Bramante Staircase in the museum.
• For visitors with mobility impairment, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire from the cloakroom.
• Strict Dress Code : Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for all guests.
• Please carry a valid ID with you and present it at the time of entry if requested. Should you fail to do so, venue authorities may deny you entry and such instances are not liable for reschedules or refunds.

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Guided Tour

• Elevate your Vatican experience with this exclusive, small-group tour of the museums and Sistine Chapel. Personalized attention and a fun-filled day await!
• Skip the crowds and embrace VIP treatment on this small group tour. Say goodbye to long lines and the hustle of larger groups.
• Dive deeper into history with expert storytellers. They bring the Vatican and the Chapel to life with captivating stories and intriguing anecdotes.
• Imagine Michelangelo lost in his brushstrokes as you listen to interesting backstories, in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German.
• Beauty awaits you at every turn! With the help of a local expert unveil Vatican's best-kept secrets and get ready to step into the world of Renaissance.
• 2.5 - 5 hour guided tour (as per option selected)
• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums
• Entry to the Sistine Chapel
• Charismatic local expert
• English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German-speaking guides
• Intimate group size of 16 or less
• Tip: This tour ends inside the museums…so, why not make the most out of your visit and enjoy a coffee in the courtyard before leaving the site?
• Strict dress code: Sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts, and hats are not permitted.
• On rare occasions, the Sistine Chapel closes without notice. If this happens, you will spend your full tour diving into the depths of the Vatican Museums.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour

• Enjoy guaranteed access to the greatest of Vatican City attractions, spend less time waiting in ticket queues, and more time gazing at the natural and man-made treasures.
• Settle in a comfortable open-top bus and bask in the charming scenery of the Vatican Gardens which occupy roughly half the size of Vatican City.
• Enjoy the views of different landscaped gardens designed in Italian, French, and English styles as you tune into a multilingual audio guide to learn more about the beauty surrounding you.
• Later, immerse yourself in the immense collection of Renaissance masterpieces at the Vatican Museums.
• Gape at Michelangelo's incredible work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, along with other breathtaking frescoes.
• Vatican Gardens tour by open bus
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Entry tickets to the Sistine Chapel
• Multilingual audio guide onboard
• Free Wi-fi at the meeting point
• Audio guide for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Tip: Start your visit with the Vatican Gardens aboard an open bus with an audio guide, then continue by visiting the Vatican Museums at your own pace.
• Please note the chosen time must be respected and latecomers will not be accommodated.
• The onboard audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese.
• Strict Dress Code : Guests must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.

Combo: Vatican Museums + Borghese Gallery Tickets

• This money-saving combo ticket offers a convenient way to admire two of the greatest art collections in the world at the Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery.
• Get priority access to Vatican Museums and see priceless works of art from the Papal collections by Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Titian, amongst others.
• Sprawled across 54 galleries, the museums include the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and more.
• The biggest highlight is the breathtaking frescoes that adorn the walls of the legendary Sistine Chapel.
• Enjoy an escorted entry to the Borghese Gallery in Rome and avoid the winding queues.
• Gasp at the amazing art collections curated by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Scipione Cardinal Borghese.
• Admire Caravaggio's iconic masterpieces like David with the Head of Goliath and Boy with a Basket of Fruit.
• Marvel at Raphael's The Deposition and sculptures like David and Apollo and Daphne.
• Stroll through the Villa Borghese and explore the gardens dotted with vibrant flowers in bloom.
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Sistine Chapel
• Escorted entry to the Borghese Gallery
• Tickets to St. Peter's Basilica
• Audio guide for Borghese Gallery (purchasable on-site for 5 Euros)

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Vatican Gardens | Historic gardens of the Papal residence

Spanning 57 acres, which accounts for almost half of the Vatican City, the Vatican Gardens offer a serene Renaissance landscape rich in history. Adorned with ancient monuments, sculptures, and lush botanicals dating back to the 6th century, it has been a papal sanctuary for centuries, offering unparalleled views of St. Peter's Basilica and the surrounding cityscape.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Vatican Gardens

• Timed entry: Respect the time chosen by you for your visit to the Vatican Gardens. Latecomers will not be accommodated at the attraction.
• Limited access: Book your tickets for the Vatican Gardens in advance. Entry to the gardens is limited, and only a small amount of reservations are taken each day. 
• Book tickets online: It's recommended to book tickets online for convenience and to avoid long lines at the ticket office, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, the gardens have a limited entry policy, making it more important to book tickets in advance.
• Guided tours only: The Vatican Gardens can be visited only through guided tours or with an audio guide, not allowing for independent exploration.
• Opt for a bus tour: You would spend a long time walking around the Vatican Museums and the basilica leaving you tired. An open-top bus tour is especially beneficial during hot days or for those who don't prefer walking. However, this is not specified on most tickets, so it's advisable to confirm the means of transport at the time of booking. 
• Not suited for children under 6: The Vatican Gardens are accessible only to children aged 6 and above. The tour, akin to a museum visit, involves extensive walking and historical narratives that may not captivate very young children's attention. 
• Separate tickets for other attractions: Tickets for the Vatican Gardens are separate from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. You'll need to purchase separate tickets or choose a tour that includes them if you wish to visit these attractions. 
• Accessibility constraints: Some parts of the Vatican Gardens may not be accessible for people with reduced mobility. However, you can opt for guided tours along an ad hoc route accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties or in wheelchairs.

Why visit Vatican Gardens?

• Different landscaping styles: The Vatican Gardens are landscaped in three distinct architectural styles-Italian, French, and English. Italian sections boast precise geometrical patterns and Renaissance elegance, French areas dazzle with baroque artistry and water features, while the English gardens offer a whimsical mix of natural and artificial elements.
• Discover the Papal past: Pope Nicholas III's historic relocation to the Vatican in 1279 marked the inception of the Vatican Gardens. Initially an exclusive papal space with an orchard, meadow, and garden enclosed by walls, these gardens now welcome the public, offering a rare glimpse into the papal state's serene and verdant retreat.
• Exclusive and intimate experience: Given that the Pope regularly visits the Vatican Gardens, access to the garden is limited to only a small number of visitors each day, ensuring an exclusive and uncrowded experience. This exclusivity adds to the allure, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. 
• Vast green expanse: Covering over 57 hectares, more than half of Vatican City, the gardens are an expansive green haven. This vast area allows for an immersive experience, away from the urban sprawl, where nature and artifice harmoniously coexist.
• Artistic and cultural treasure trove: Home to ancient sculptures, fountains, and monuments dating back to the 6th century, the gardens are a living museum. Each step unveils a piece of history, art, and culture, making it a paradise for history buffs and art enthusiasts.
• Experience Papal life: Visiting the Vatican Gardens is not just about appreciating their visual splendor. It's also an opportunity to connect with the daily life of the Papal State, offering insights into a world often unseen by the public.
• Spectacular views: There are a series of vantage points in the Vatican Gardens that offer spectacular views of Vatican City. These spots are perfect for capturing the beauty of the gardens against the backdrop of iconic structures like St. Peter’s Basilica.

Which Vatican Gardens ticket is best for you?

For a convenient exploration

Go for: Open bus tours Duration: 3 hours Guide: Audio guide

• This is ideal for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. The open-top bus tour offers a comfortable way to admire the Vatican Gardens, especially after long walks in the city or the museums.
• The insightful audio commentary will allow you to learn about the history and culture of the gardens as you explore them. 

Recommended tours

• Reserved Entry Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour
• Vatican Gardens Open Bus & Castel Sant'Angelo Entry

For a comprehensive Vatican experience

Go for: Combo tickets Duration: Flexible Guide: Audio guide/ Expert local guide

• These tickets offer great value, combining visits to other popular attractions with the Vatican Gardens. 
• With an experienced local guide, or audio guide, based on the ticket you choose you won't miss any of the key highlights of these attractions, allowing for a comprehensive experience.

Recommended tour

Combo: Catacombs of St. Callixtus + St. John Lateran with Audio Guide + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets.

Cancellation policy

Your tickets for Vatican Gardens cannot be canceled or rescheduled. 

Explore Vatican Gardens

A splendid example of Renaissance landscape design, characterized by its formal and geometric features, the gardens boast a diverse array of vegetation, with trees blooming for three-quarters of the year. The flowers in the Italian Garden evoke a sense of wonder and beauty, enhancing the overall mood of visitors with their unusual associations and colors.

Admire the classic Baroque artistry with elegant statues and playful water features.

A harmonious blend of natural and artificial elements, featuring caves, streams, and a variety of flora.

What to see inside the Vatican Gardens?

Fountain of the Eagle

The fountains, monuments, and sculptures in the Vatican gardens are synonymous with their different landscaping styles. The Fountain of the Eagle is one of the most stunning fountains in the Vatican Gardens and symbolizes the return of water to the Vatican from the Acqua Paola.  

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is an artificial cave that has been created in the French garden of the Vatican Gardens. It is modeled after the famous French Grotto of Massabielle, where a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous saw a vision of the Madonna.

Saint John’s Tower

Originally built by Pope Nicholas III in the 16th century, the tower has been the site for important events over the years, including Pope Benedict XVI’s meeting with former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2008. Today, this tower space is mainly used today as papal apartments.

Governor’s Palace

Overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, the Governor’s Palace, with its peach-colored facade, is the administrative heart of Vatican City. It provides insights into the governance of this unique city-state.

Papal Coat of Arms

Made from hedges, this Papal Coat of Arms features a crown and the keys of St. Peter planted in colorful perennials.

Palazza di Leone XIII

Erected in honor of Pope Leo XIII, the building contains two fountains, green hedges, arches of climbing roses, and the last exotic tree planted by the Pope before his death in 1903.

Images of Mary

In 1902, with the Our Lady of Lourdes the Vatican Gardens started a collection of the different images of Mary. Today, the Vatican Gardens have 17 “Maria” images, symbolizing prayers for the Virgin Mary in various languages and cultures.

Plan your visit to Vatican Gardens

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays 

Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Vatican Gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Avoid visiting the gardens on Saturdays since the attraction sees maximum crowds on this day.  

Address: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City. Find on maps . 

Getting there

• By metro: Line A  Nearest stop: Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station
• By bus: 49, 40, 64 Nearest stop: Musei Vaticani
• By train: RE 12524 towards Civitavecchia or RE 4134 towards Pisa Centrale Nearest Stop : St. Pietro
• By Tram: 19 Nearest stop: Piazza del Risorgimento
• By car: 29.4 km from Leonardo Da Vince-Fiumicino Airport Car parking: You will not be permitted to enter Vatican City in a car unless it is for official business. 

• Multilingual audio guide
• Limited wheelchair accessibility
• Elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility

• Visitors have to adhere to a strict dress code when visiting the Vatican Gardens. Both men and women have to ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. 
• Ensure that you reach on time on the day of your visit. Latecomers are not permitted at Vatican Gardens. 
• Since you’ll be walking a lot during your Vatican Gardens tours, it is a good idea to wear comfortable footwear. 
• Photography and mobile phones are prohibited during the Vatican Gardens tour. 
• Bags no larger than 40X30X20 cm are allowed at the Vatican Gardens. The bags must be carried on the front or held at your side. 
• Pets and other small animals, except guide dogs, are not permitted at the Vatican Gardens. 

• Ristorante dei Musei : Just a few steps away from the Vatican Gardens, is the Ristorante dei Musei. The restaurant is an authentic Roman eatery that serves delicious pasta. 
• Angelo’s : Angelo’s restaurant serves yummy pasta, seafood, and other classic Italian dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant also has sidewalk seating for its visitors. 
• La Vittoria : Indulge authentic Italian cuisine at La Vittoria. The restaurant has comfy seating, a brick-vault ceiling, and delicious dishes. 
• Ristorante Pizzeria Castello : Ristorante Pizzeria Castello has patio seating, and offers a range of dishes such as pizza and pasta. You can also enjoy coffee and wine at the restaurant. 

Budget: Vatican City Guesthouse (2.2 km), Hotel Paolo II (1.8 km), Pratinn Vatican (2.4 km). 

Mid-range: Vatican Relais Rome (1.4 km), Vatican Style Rome (1.5 km), Hotel Della Conciliazione (1.9 km). 

Luxury: Residenza Paolo VI Hotel (1.8 km), Relais Clivo Vaticano (2.3 km), B&b Lunaria Suites Rome (1.4 km). 

Beyond the Vatican Gardens

Castel Sant’Angelo

3.4 km away from the Vatican Gardens is the Castel Sant’Angelo. Castel Sant’ Angelo was originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. Since then the Castle has served as a military fortress, the Papal residence, a Renaissance prison, and a museum.

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus originated around the middle of the 2nd century and are very well-known because they contain the Crypt of the Popes.

St. John Lateran

St. John Lateran complex comprises historical monuments such as the Baptistry, Holy Stairs, Cloisters, Basilica, and the Papal Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum. 

Frequently asked questions about Vatican Gardens tickets

Tickets to the Vatican Gardens start from €49 and go up to €75.05. Ticket prices vary according to the type of ticket you have purchased. 

It is mandatory to book tickets to the Vatican Gardens online . The Vatican Gardens take only a small number of reservations every day, and walk-in visitors are not accommodated at the attraction. 

• Cheaper rates: Online tickets for the Vatican Gardens are comparatively cheaper to buy. 
• Discounts and offers: Many discounts and offers are available online for the Vatican Gardens. You can enjoy significant time and cost savings by purchasing your Vatican Gardens tickets online. 
• Multiple options: You can choose from different Vatican Gardens tickets online. Be it combo tours or entry tickets , you can choose the option that works best for you. 
• Guaranteed entry: Booking your Vatican Gardens tickets online guarantees you entry to the gardens on the day of your visit, irrespective of the peak or off-peak season. 

Your Vatican Gardens tickets include an open-bus tour of the Gardens and access to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. If you opt for the combo tour tickets , you get additional entry access to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and the St. John Lateran complex. 

You cannot get skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Gardens. However, your Vatican Gardens tickets include skip-the-line access to the Vatican museums. 

Your Vatican Gardens tickets include entry access to the Gardens, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Entry access to the St. Peter’s Basilica is not included with your tickets, but it is worth knowing that entry to the Basilica is free all year round. 

You cannot cancel or reschedule your Vatican Gardens tickets. 

It will take you around 3 hours to complete a Vatican Gardens tour.

All you need to know for visiting the Vatican Gardens: how to book, highlight, tips

All you need to know for visiting the Vatican Gardens: where to get tickets, admission rules, tips and photos of these marvellous gardens in the heart of Rome. Giardini Vaticani review and info .

The Vatican is one of the most interesting and beautiful attractions in Rome and one of the most popular.

St Peter’s Basilica , Saint Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums are usually the part of Vatican city that gets the most attention however, they are not the only one worth a visit.

Another wonderful part of the Vatican is the Vatican Gardens: they are just at the back of the basilica and are one of the most beautiful landscapes gardens you can see in Rome!

The first time I saw them was from above, when I climbed to the top of St Peter’s dome: the view over their Italian style layout is out of this work beautiful!

However, I recently booked a guided tour to see them properly and it was a wonderful experience.

Now, I highly recommend you add a visit to the gardens to your day at the Vatican.

In this article, you will find all you need to for a perfect day there and my review of the official Vatican Gardens tour.

Pin this article for easy access next time!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Table of Contents

Where are the Vatican Gardens and how to get there

The Vatican Gardens extend to the back of St Peter’s basilica, along the slopes of Colle Vaticano (The Vatican hill)

Access is from Piazza Sant’Uffizio, which is immediately to the left of Piazza San Pietro looking towards the church.

The entrance is well marked by local signage that leads you under the columns and into the main gate.

You can reach the gardens by car, bus, tram and metro.

Bus 46, 64, 916 and 982 are the closest bus stops. Metro stop Ottaviano (Metro line A) is about 15 minutes walk from here and Piazza Risorgimento with tram line 19 is about 7 minutes’ walk.

Both these walk can be worth it, if you have the time since they lead you under the Passetto and across the main Saint Peter’s square to get you to your destination!

Find all info on how to use public transport in Rome here.

Vatican gardens tickets

Tickets to the Vatican Gardens are available on the official Vatican website.

At present, the Gardens can only be visited by buying a ticket also including the Sistine Chapel: this is new for 2022.

This is how you can get tickets for the Vatican Gardens:

Official Vatican Website – Group Tour of Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel (3h)

This tour lasts 3 hours and includes a visit to the gardens as well as a tour of parts of the Vatican Museums, such asCandelabra gallery, Maps Gallery, Tapestry Gallery and Sistine Chapel.

Official Vatican Website – Small Group tour of Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel (3h)

This is a small group tour (max 10 participants) bringing visitors to gardens as well as a tour of parts of the Vatican Museums, such asCandelabra gallery, Maps Gallery, Tapestry Gallery and Sistine Chapel

Need to know: Vatican Gardens bus tour!

The Vatican Gardens are very large and, because of this, the visit often happens by bus!

The bus is an electric vehicle with open widows allowing you to take photos.

During the tour, you do not get off the bus but there are regular stops to properly see and take photographs the most meaningful parts of the garden.

The bus is a lovely way to visit the garden and a great complement to the significant walking you do to visit the museum and, if going, the basilica.

The bus ride is not specified on most tickets and comes as a surprise for many: I highly recommend you contact the ticket provider to get confirmation of the means of transport on your day of choice if you need to know for sure before committing to the experience.

These are all offered by GetYourGuide which is my go-to platform for booking tickets and especially tours.

What there is to see in the Vatican Gardens – Vatican Gardens highlights

The Vatican gardens are wonderful and varied but some areas did stand out more than others for me.

Marian gardens and Lourde’s grotto

One of our first stops during the bus tour was at Lourde’s grotto, a small grotto reminiscent of the one in Lourdes.

The grotto has a statue of Mary and is a quiet place intended for Popes to come and pray.

The grotto was inaugurated in 1905 and it is said to have been one of the favorite places of Giovanni Paolo II and Benedetto XVI.

Just beside the grotto lies another wonderful stretch of garden, the so-called French-style garden.

This is laid out with pristine lawns with beautiful trees and flowerbeds to the sides, a combination that makes it look serene and welcoming.

The French garden is dotted by several sculptures and statues notable are that dedicated to the Virgin of Fatima and the fountain of the frogs

 The rock garden

Another lovely part of the Vatican gardens is the rock garden.

It runs parallel to one of the main [aths (also passed by the eco bus) and has lovely details: the light rock hosts many typed of plant and cacti and while it is unobtrusive and even easy to miss, it is delicate and worth seeking out.

The Italian garden

The Italian style garden in the Vatican garden was created in 1929.

It follows the traditional Italian style layout of geometric hedged and paths framed by pine trees, cypresses and other native trees and it is one of the most impressive in terms of visual impact.

Fun fact: this is also the one you most easily spot from the top of the dome!

Heliport and train station 

If you are visiting the gardens of Vatican City with kids , they are sure two like the transport options avaible to the Pope: the heliport and the train station!

They are both inside the gardens and they are fun to see.

Torre di San Giovanni (Tower)

Beside the heliport you will also find the tower of San Giovanni.

The tower is ancient but it was restored in 1962 and it is in such a lovely part of the Vatican Gardens Giovanni XXIII adopted it as its summer residence.

The views of St Peter’s Dome

The gardens are a wonderful vantage point to see the dome of St Peter’s basilica.

From the main square, you can see the dome but the size of the basilica facade doesn’t allow to appreciate its magnitude and magnificence – from a certain distance, the dome disappears altogether if you are looking at it from Piazza San Pietro!

From the gardens, you can see it in all its splendor and you will be spoilt for choice for photo ops!

What else can you see with the Vatican Gardens

A visit to the Vatican Gardens is compatible with then visiting the basilica.

Access to the basilica is separate from that of the gardens and the museums and it is free: you can easily walk in after your garden your (line permitting) and enjoy it in your own time.

I highly recommend visit gardens and basilica on the same day.

Both can be enjoyed as stand alone attractions but you see an incredible continuity in style and architectural flow if you immerse yourself in both, one after the other!

For your convenience, this is an overview of other Vatican tickets you may want to consider for your day at the Vatican:

• St Peter’s basilica guided tour
• St Peter basilica with dome climb and crypt (tour)

If you want to spend a day at the Vatican, including the gardens, consider this:

Access to the basilica is free and straight forward but does require waiting in line.

Even on a quiet day, security and temperature checks mean there will be some waiting. Add extra time if you plan on climbing the dome.

The main Saint Peter square , the beautiful monuments to refugees, the colonnade, Passetto and the Swiss Guards are all just outside the gardens and need no planning.

You can find my full guide to visiting the Vatican and recommended things to see here.

Practical tips for visiting the Vatican Gardens

The best time to go: you can visit the gardens all year round but the mid season, autumn and spring, are the best.

In summer , especially on a very hot day, I highly recommend you opt for the bus tour as the heat can be intense

What to wear: masks are currently compulsory and good walking shoes are necessary for the walking tour (you can find my recommended shoes for a trip to Rome here ).

No special shoes to gear are needed for the bus tour.

Like always in the Vatican, it is better to opt for conservative clothing (no short skirts or shorts, cover shoulders).

You can find all my tips on what to wear in Rome here .

Make sure you bring your camera as the photo ops are great!

Visiting the Vatican Gardens with kids

The Vatican Gardens are manicured, architectural gardens: as such, they may not be as attractive to kids and they may sound.

First and foremost, access to the gardens is only for children over 6.

Also, the visit to the gardens, whether by bus on foot, is guided and does not allow for free roaming or independent exploring.

The gardens are not not suitable for running around and are very much like a museum, more than a park, in terms of the experience for kids.

However, older kids are likely to enjoy the bus ride: this is a good way for them to relax and unwind, catch a bit of fresh air and rest their legs before/after the long day in the museum!

When we went, the bus ride itself was lovely and while the guide was a little too detailed for children, we had a nice ecpeirene and cam back with lovely photos.

I feel the Vatican Gardens can be good for kids, but being prepared about what the visit entail and feels like is paramount to avoid wrong expectation about playtime!

I hope you enjoyed this guide and it helped you plan your day visiting the Vatican Gardens. Happy travel planning!

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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+39 055 5321180

print your voucher

• Vatican Museums & Sistine
• Vatican Gardens Tour

Garden Tour

The Vatican Gardens Tour by bus

VATICAN GARDENS TOUR- Minibus tour with audio guide to discover the green heart of the Vatican , a 45-minute tour on an eco-friendly minibus. Includes a ticket to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the same day with no lines. 

Every day, except Saturday and religious holidays. Several morning time ranges may be booked. 

Entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is only allowed to visitors who are appropriately dressed. Low-cut or sleeveless outfits, shorts, miniskirts, and hats are not allowed.

Electronic voucher can be shown on tablet or cell phone. The voucher image must be clear and legible for the scanner.  The voucher is sent by email.

About 45 minutes

The ticket includes booking to skip the line at the entrance. 

 The tour is currently not accessible for people in wheelchairs. 

Tour by mini bus with audioguide

+39 055 5321180 (Mon-Fri 8:30 am -6:30 pm/ Sat-Sun 8:30 am -4:30 pm)

Description of your booking

The tour of the Vatican Gardens in an eco-friendly open bus , letting visitor comfortably admire the marvels of the smallest State in the world, its great monuments, works of art and natural wonders. The tour is accompanied by a multilingual audio guide Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Russian  to let you discover this unforgettable architectural and artistic heritage. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and there are no planned breaks. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed on this tour. After the garden tour is over, visitors can go into the Vatican Museums with the same ticket from a special entrance without waiting in line.

What is included

- Tour of the Vatican Gardens in eco-friendly open bus - Multilingual audio guide of the gardens - Quick admission ticket to the Vatican Museums - Admission to the Sistine Chapel

What is not included

- Guided tour of the gardens - Guided tour inside the museums - Audio guide of the museums

Note : This tour is very popular and there are few dates with a limited number of spots per day. Online availability may, therefore, not always be updated in real time. Please consider the booking confirmed only upon receipt of the voucher. If the date and time you requested are sold out, we will contact you to find the best alternative. Italy Travels cannot be held responsible for partial closing museum rooms, itinerary variations inside the museum, cancellations or entrance delays due to unexpected events, strikes or decisions taken by the museum direction or unexpected variations of the Pope movements which involve the museum buildings.

children 6 -17 years old and students 18-25 years old with valid International Student Card or a student identity document.

Buying a reduced ticket without the necessary qualifications or not presenting a valid student identity card will require you to buy another entrance full ticket. The reduced ticket will not be refunded.

Children under 6 years old no admitted to this tour. Disabled people (over 74% disability with certification) do not need any reservation. Price includes skip-the-line service 4.00 euros and on line reservation fee 5.00 euros.

Cancellation policy

Vatican Garden tickets are non-refundable in any case and cannot be cancelled. This booking is in NO way refundable, even partially. You may change the tour time and/or date only once within 2 working days before the booked date based on the museum's availability for the selected date. After that point, the voucher may no longer be changed. The new date must be within 55 days from the original date. The change will be accepted subject to availability. Only one change is allowed that may apply simultaneously to the time and date of the tour. The two factors – date and time – may not, however, be changed upon two separate occasions. The type of ticket, number of tickets, and booked service may not be changed. If you need to make changes, please contact our offices by email a  [email protected]  or by phone +39 0552670402. Requests of changes must always be communicated in writing by email. Visitors must always print out the modified voucher and show the print-out at the ticket office on the day of the tour. If you need to make changes to your booking, please contact our offices by email a  [email protected]  or by phone +39 0552670402. Requests of changes must always be communicated in writing by email. Visitors must always print out the modified voucher and show the print-out at the ticket office on the day of the tour.

From Monday toSaturday TIME RANGES 08.45-09.15 09.45-10.15 12.15-12.45 The exact tour starting time will be communicated on the reservation voucher sent by email within the range of time choosed.

Instructions for entry are printed on the voucher that will be sent by email to confirm booking and vary based on the type of booking. Address : Viale Vaticano, Vatican City, Rome Metro:  line A, stop Cipro/Musei Vaticani

Useful info

Backpacks, suitcases, or large bags may not be brought in the sites. The ticket allows you to access to museums only once. You must go through  security checks at the metal detectors . The wait for these mandatory procedures cannot be avoided. Do not forget to bring a valid identification card or valid passport (one per person). Italy Travels cannot be held responsible for partial closing museum rooms, itinerary variations inside the museum, cancellations or entrance delays due to unexpected events, strikes or decisions taken by the museum direction or unexpected variations of the Pope movements which involve the museum buildings.

What you will see with this booking

Tour description: the tour of the Vatican Gardens lets visitor have a glimpse in the smallest State in the world, its great monuments, works of art, and natural wonders. A ticket includes the option of a (non-guided) visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The tour is given in a minibus with no stops, letting you discover unforgettable architectural and artistic heritage. An audio guide takes visitors through the tour, explaining what they are seeing.

Vatican Gardens minibus tour with audio guide

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How much time it takes a visit at the Vatican Museums?

To visit the Vatican Museums it takes at least 3 hours. Once inside the museum you can stay inside until the closing time.

In which times of entry it is possible to visit the Vatican Museums?

Vatican Museums are open from Monday to Saturdays from 09:00 am to 6:00 pm, the last bookable entry is at 3:30 pm.

In which days the Vatican museums are closed?

Vatican Museums are closed every Sundays and for public holiday days.

What happens on the last Sunday of the month at the Vatican Museums?

On the last Sunday of the month the museums are exceptionally open and entrance is free. Visits are possible from 09:00 am to 2pm, last entrance at 12:30.

Is there a Dress code for the Vatican Museums?

To visit the Vatican Museums it is necessary to be properly dressed. For this reason, sleeveless, low-cut clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed.

How long do I have to wait if I do not have the reservation?

The line for the entrance at the Vatican Museums is usually very long. We are not able to know precisely the waiting time, it may depends on the days and the period.

Is it possible to take photos and/or videos inside the Vatican Museums?

In the exhibition halls it is possible to take photos and/or videos without flash. Non- authorized professional equipment are not allowed and must be authorized from the museums.

Is it possible to take photos and/or videos inside the Sistine Chapel?

Inside the Sistine Chapel it is strictly forbidden to take photos and / or videos with or without flash.

Is it possible to talk inside the Sistine Chapel?

Inside the Sistine Chapel it is not possible to talk, official guides also do not have the permission to give explanations inside.

It is possible to eat inside the Vatican Museums?

Inside the exhibition halls it is not possible to eat. Along the museum path you can find many vending machines and refreshment points, snack bars, restaurants, a pizzeria and a self-service.

Is the Sistine Chapel included in the entry ticket?

Yes, in the simple entrance tickets for the Vatican Museums the Sistine Chapel is included.

Do I have to print the voucher for the Vatican Museums?

For the no-line entrance at the Vatican Museums it is possible to show the voucher from the mobile phone.

Do families visiting the Vatican Museums have any reductions?

No, there are no reductions for families.

Do I have to pre- pay the ticket to jump the line at the Vatican Museums?

Yes, the ticket must be paid in advance.

Is there an access for people with reservation at the entrance?

Yes, there is a reserved access for visitors with reservation, restricted by barriers and marked by a sign.

Are People older than 65 entitled to discounts or free tickets?

Visitors older than 65 years old need to pay the full ticket.

Are teachers entitled to any reductions for the Vatican Museums?

No, they do not have any reductions; they need to buy the full price ticket.

Are journalists entitled to gratuity?

Yes, they gain free ticket at the entrance if they present the journalist press pass. However, if they wish to jump the line they need to pay the full ticket, as the free entrance is considered only without reservation.

Are students entitled to any reduction for the Vatican Museums?

International students not older than 25 years old are entitled to a reduced ticket.

Which ticket do I have to purchase if I am under 18 years old?

Children under years old do not need any ticket and they are free. Visitors from 6 to 18 years old must book the reduced tickets.

Can I pay the tickets of the Vatican Museums with bank transfer?

Yes, when the date of the visit is not too near. The bank transfer takes 2 or 3 days to be effective and during the high season the availability of the museum may change rapidly. The order will be worked just when the amount of the bank transfer will reach the bank account.

How does it work reservation for schools?

Schools willing to reserve entrances for the Vatican Museum should contact directly the Vatican Museums.

Once that I did the order, how should I expect the tickets to arrive?

The ticket is sent per e-mail and can be shown directly from the mobile phone. The bar code on the voucher must be visible.

Can I reserve the ticket on line and pay it at the museum?

No, the ticket must be paid when reserved.

Once that I received the voucher it is possible to modify the date or the time?

Yes, it is allowed to do just one modification at the date or the time with a forewarning of 48 hours at least. The modification is subordinated to the availability of the places.

It is possible to cancel the reservation at the Vatican Museums?

Once that the voucher is emitted it is no longer possible to cancel the reservation.

How can I require a modification at my reservation?

To require a modification for the ticket or the tour it is necessary to send an e-mail to [email protected] in the due time specified on the voucher.

Can I change the type of the reservation?

No, if you reserved a ticket you will be able to modify just the date or/and the time. It is not possible to modify the type of the ticket from full to reduced nor it is possible to change the activity reserved, for example from ticket to guided tour. In this case it will be required to do a new reservation and the first one won’t be refunded.

It is possible to visit the Vatican Museums in the evening?

Yes, from April to October there are evening openings every Fridays.

How much does the evening ticket cost?

The ticket has the same cost of the ordinary ticket that permit the entrance during the day.

It is possible to visit the Vatican Museums during the evening with a guide?

Yes, by reserving a tour with a private guide.

What it is possible to see during the evening openings at the Vatican Museums?

All the halls opened by the administration and the Sistine Chapel.

It is possible to bring luggage, bags or backpacks inside the museum?

It is not possible to bring inside the Vatican Museums luggage that the museum does not consider proper. You can deposit your personal objects by the cloakroom, which is free for the visitors of the Vatican Museums.

When is it the cloakroom?

Ground floor, in front of the ticket offices.

How much is the cost for the cloakroom?

The service is free.

It is possible to bring pets inside the Vatican Museum?

It is not possible to bring any pets inside the Vatican Museum. The only exception is for guide dogs for blind people with certificate attesting support for therapeutic treatments.

How does it work the entrance for people with disability?

All visitors with certified disability superior to 74% can go directly at the tickets office with the disability certification and have free access.

Does the person accompanying the disable people have to pay at the Vatican Museums?

The people accompanying has free entrance just if the disable person is certifies as non self-sufficient.

Are there wheelchairs available at the museums?

Yes, it is possible to rent wheelchairs for free while stocks last.

It is possible to have a guided tour for the Vatican Museums?

Yes, it is possible to reserve guided tours or private tours. All our proposals are on line on our site. For special requests or large groups you can send an e-mail to [email protected] or call us at the +39 055 2670402.

How much does a guided tour at the Vatican Museums cost?

Fares may vary, on our site they are in any case updated. The cost of the guided tour varies belonging to the type and duration of the tour.

How much does a private tour at the Vatican Museums cost?

A tour in English with private guide of the Vatican Museums for two persons has a cost that starts from € 290.00 on. Rates are subject to variations based on seasonality, language and number of people. The price varies according to the number of participants, the language in which the tour takes place, if it takes place in holyday days or during the evening and to the duration. For any other information, please visit our website or call us at +39 055 2670402.

How can I visit the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums. You can visit it by purchasing the ticket for the Vatican Museums.

Can I visit just the Sistine Chapel?

Once inside the Vatican Museums, you can go directly to the Sistine Chapel by following the signs "Sistine Chapel - short path" which are situated along all the rooms.

Is there a ticket just for the Sistine Chapel?

No, the ticket is the same for the Vatican Museum.

Can I book a tour just for the Sistine Chapel?

Yes, it is possible to book a tour with a private guide that will focus just on the Sistine Chapel. In this case it is a special tour that it is necessary to require per e-mail to [email protected]

How can I visit the Vatican Gardens?

The Vatican Gardens can be visited with a tour by bus or a walking tour.

Is there a ticket for the Vatican Gardens?

There is a ticket that permits the visit at the Vatican Gardens.

Which kind of tour can I do at the Vatican Gardens?

It is possible to book a tour with ecological bus with multilingual Audio Guide, a group tour with a guide or a visit with private guide.

Where is the entrance for the Vatican Museums?

If you have the reservation for the Vatican Museum, it is necessary to entry from Viale Vaticano from the main entry of the Vatican Museum.

What is included in the tour of the Vatican Garden?

All the tours of the Vatican Garden include also the ticket to see the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which can be visited once that the visit at the Garden is finished.

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The Gardens of Vatican City: The Complete Guide

The Vatican Gardens May be the Pope's Best-Kept Secret

John Harper/Getty Images

Gardens of Vatican City

One of the most exclusive attractions within Rome's tiny Papal State is the Gardens of Vatican City ( Giardini Vaticani ). The 57 acres of urban tranquility invite visitors to stroll among sacred monuments, sculpture fountains, and curious botanicals. Because entry is limited (only a certain number of bookings are accepted each day), it's rarely crowded, allowing you to enjoy the manicured grounds in relative peace and quiet. Commonly referred to as "the Pope's playground," the gardens abut the Vatican Museums and boast their own railway station, heliport, and even a bank. They also have some of the best views of St. Peter's dome in all of Rome.

History of the Gardens

First conceived in 1279 by Pope Nicholas III, the area was enclosed by walls and planted with an orchard, a lawn, and a garden. It wasn't until the 16th century, under Pope Julius II, that major landscaping took place. Distinguished architect Donato Bramante (one of the designers of St. Peter's) drew up plans for the garden, which was eventually split into the three Renaissance styles (English, French, and Italian). A rectangular labyrinth (garden maze) was added to further enhanced its formal grandeur. Today, the gardens remain a place where Pontiffs can find restful solitude, despite the hustle and bustle of Rome and Vatican City just beyond the garden wall.

What to See and Do in the Gardens of Vatican City

As you wander around the gardens, here are some highlights to explore:

Lourdes Grotto ( Grotta di Lourdes ): This is a replica of the pilgrimage cave in Massabielle, France where a young girl, Bernadette Soubirous, saw a vision of the Madonna.

Fountain of the Eagle: This 17th-century fountain celebrates the return of water ( Acqua Paolina ) to the Vatican from the repaired aqueduct of Trajan.

Papal Coat of Arms: You can't miss this wonderful example of topiary figurative art in the shape of the Papal Coat of Arms. A permanent section features a crown and the keys of Saint Peter planted in colorful perennials, while the other area is adorned with annuals honoring the current Pope.

Casina del Giardiniere (Gardener's Lodge): This little building from the 12th century is the residence of the head gardener, who oversees a team of more than two dozen gardening staff.

Saint John’s Tower: Constructed in the 16th century by Pope Nicholas III, it was rebuilt in the 1960s by Pope John XXIII. Inside are papal apartments, but it is most famous for being the place where Pope Benedict XVI met President George W. Bush in 2008.

The Little Flower, Saint Therese of Lisieux: Named the patron saint of the Gardens in 1927, Saint Therese's official title is "Sacred Keeper of the Gardens." A shrine dedicated to her sits along the Leonine walls.

Our Lady of Fatima: In 1981, on the day of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope John Paul II was shot at St. Peter's Square. His miraculous survival is credited to divine intervention from Our Lady.

Gregorian Tower or Tower of the Winds: Built in the late 16th century, the square tower once served as an astrological observatory. It's said to be where the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar was made.

Palazzina di Leone XIII: One of the "Instagrammable" spots in the Gardens, this little building was erected in honor of Pope Leo XIII. It has two lovely fountains, hedges, arches of climbing roses, and the last exotic tree planted by Leo before his death. When the coral tree flowers, its blooms are bright red.

A Piece of the Berlin Wall: A gift to the Vatican from Marco Piccinini, the Italian acquired a portion of the famous wall at an auction in 1990. The segment, originally located on Waldemarbridge, reveals a hidden painting of Berlin's St. Michaels Church.

Vatican Radio Station: Added to the Gardens in 1931 by famed inventor Guglielmo Marconi, The Marconi Broadcast Centre is where he broadcasted his first message worldwide. Pope Pius XI understood the importance of the emerging technology and encouraged Marconi's research.

Vatican Railway Station: This short rail line primarily carries supplies into Vatican City. Nearby are a bank, a pharmacy , and a grocery store. Even popes need to run errands! Since 2015, and on Saturdays only, the Vatican offers rail service from the Vatican Railway Station to the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo, to the south of Rome. The full-day tour includes entry to the Vatican Museums and Gardens, round-trip train travel and access to parts of the Papal complex at Castel Gandolfo.

Visitor Information:

Location: Vatican City, 00120 Italy

Hours: The Vatican Museums and Gardens are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (final entry at 4 p.m.) Closed Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month, when it's open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., provided it doesn't coincide with major religious holidays.) Accurate as of September 2018. Check the website for updates.

Admission: Guided tours last 2 hours and must be booked through the Vatican Museum's website or with a private tour company. Your ticket includes a visit (unguided) to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, on the same day only.

Prices: €33. Reduced: €24 (children 6-18 and religious persons with valid documentation.)

Visiting Tips: The tour is on foot. For those with mobility issues, an open eco-bus tour is available for €37/reduced: €23 (includes audioguide and illustrated map.) For safety reasons, children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.

If you need wheelchair assistance, you can book a tour with Vatican Gardens without barriers.

How to Get There:

Metro: Line A in the direction of Battistini, Ottaviano, or Cipro stations.

Buses: 49, 32, 81, and 982 stop at Piazza del Risorgimento; 492 and 990 stop at Via Leone IV/Via degli Scipioni.

Tram: 19 stop at Piazza del Risorgimento

Sights and Attractions Nearby

Castel Sant'Angelo : Built as a mausoleum by Emperor Hadrian, this imposing castle along the Tiber River is now a museum.

The Swiss Guard : Since 1506, these traditionally and colorfully costumed recruits have been guarding Vatican City.

Leonardo Da Vinci Experience : The new museum exhibits Da Vinci's inventions and reproductions of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper.

Villas of Castel Gandolfo: Located 45-minutes from the center of Rome, it has been the summer residence of Popes since the 17th century. For information on arriving via train from the Vatican Rail Station, visit this page on the Vatican Museums website.

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Why Choose It?

• Explore  one of Rome's most  picturesque green spaces .
• Discover  atmospheric  grottos , medieval walls, and the  landscaped gardens .
• Have the  option of visiting the Vatican Museums  with our licensed guide.

Tour Description

Our Vatican Gardens Tour takes  you on a journey through 2000 years of  history ,  art ,  nature  and  faith .  Experience nature and art  combined in a unique breathtaking composition as we explore three styles of gardens:  English ,  French , and  Italian .  Listen  to the murmuring of the  Vatican Gardens ‘ countless fountains, such as the large and picturesque  Fountain of the Eagle .

View  the Pope’s little orchard through a gate behind which lettuce, tomatoes and peas are grown. Pass by the  Lourdes Grotto , a faithful reproduction of the grotto at Massabielle, and the  Tower of St. John  which once formed part of the  medieval walls  and was arranged by John XXIII as his hermitage. Marvel at the  Casina Pio IV , built for Pope Pius IV, a Medici, headquarters of the  Pontifical Academy of Sciences . The modern  Vatican heliport  used by the Pope as his means of transport, both quick and safe.

We will visit the tower that broadcasts  Vatican Radio , set up in 1931 by the inventor of radio, Guglielmo Marconi. And we will  explore the Vatican Gardens ‘ many other monuments scattered throughout the gardens, but the most beautiful spot is the  Rose Garden  along the crest of the hill and everything we have seen dominated by the Michelangelo’s Dome of Saint Peter’s.

The  Vatican Gardens tour  is a  Walking Tour  so make sure to bring comfortable shoes.

After the tour ends you will be free to enter the  Vatican Museums , if you would like your guide to accompany you and enliven the visit, please get in touch with our staff and we will arrange the best option for your needs.

Please note: St Peter’s Basilica is an active religious centre and is strongly influenced by liturgical ceremonies and needs: we are therefore not responsible for any inconvenience resulting from sudden closure of the basilica.

• Itinerary: Fountain of the Eagle Lourdes Grotto Tower of St. John Casina Pio IV Vatican Heliport Radio Tower Sistine Chapel
• Included: Skip-the-line entrance Private licensed guide Gardens Tour
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

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Our guides are fluent in English and have a contagious passion for the inspiring cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Experts in their fields, they will immerse you in the hidden histories and intriguing lives of history's great protagonists. So much to see, so easy to miss out: with the help of our guides, visit the most absorbing sites and uncover the stories that have changed the world. Don't miss this fascinating journey!

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Already a member, don't have an account create one., wander the vatican gardens , where the awe of nature meets history., witness the beauty and splendor of delightful fountains, landscapes, monuments and buildings in a curious mixture of mythology and sacred antiquity. during the vatican gardens private 2-hour tour, you will sense history while experiencing the lavish aromas of the surrounding ancient woods, filled with leafy holm oaks, bitter oaks, durmast oaks, cypresses and even a majestic beech..

The 44.5 acres of gardens within the Vatican walls offer you the unique chance to experience the same steps of generations of popes who walked through these fascinating gardens.

• Piazza Santa Marta
• Papal Coat of Arms
• Monument to Saint Peter
• Lourdes Grotto
• Italian Garden
• Casina del Giardiniere (Gardener’s Lodge)And many more

RATES PER PERSON

•  By Open Bus
• Full price ticket: €42.00.
• Reduced ticket (6-17 years old): €28.00
• Full price ticket: €38.00
• Reduced ticket (6-17 years old): €29.00

***IMPORTANT: Rate includes reservation and entrance fees to Vatican museums and gardens, tour guide service in English, insurance and taxes.

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Vatican Gardens Ultimate Guide 2024

Written by: Kate Zusmann

15776 views

The Vatican Gardens (Latin: Horti Civitatis Vaticanae; Italian: Giardini Vaticani) are exclusively beautiful private gardens and parks from the 16th century in the Vatican City State, located within the territory of Rome. The gardens cover more than half of the country, are owned by the Pope, and are considered the smallest government globally.

Below is our Ultimate Guide to the Vatican Gardens. All provided info and facts info is checked and updated in May 2024.

Let’s start from

FAQ about Vatican Gardens

Are vatican gardens worth visiting, are the vatican gardens free, can i take pictures inside the vatican gardens, can i walk through the vatican gardens, what is the dress code for the vatican gardens, what are the gardens of the vatican.

Their territory is 23 hectares (57 acres), with the highest point of 60 meters (200 ft) on Vatican Hill. You need to plan your visit since it is possible only by reservation. The gardens are considered the Pope’s private playground, which you can visit by taking the two-hour foot-and-bus tour.

The Vatican Gardens are surrounded by stone walls in the North, South and West.

They were established during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and there are different fountains and sculptures on the territory of gardens. However, there is no access to the public except special group tours provided by the Vatican. Moreover, there are 16 Marian images revered worldwide at the designation of the Roman Pontiff or the Pope – the owner of the gardens. Besides greenery, sculptures, and fountains, there is the Governor’s Palace and the Radio of the Vatican on the territory of the gardens. You can see the gardens when you climb up the dome of St Peter’s Basilica , from the highest point of Rome.

History of the Vatican Gardens

According to the Pious tradition, the site of the Vatican Gardens was spread with sacred soil taken from Mount Calvary by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine . Through this sign, she wanted symbolically unite the blood of Jesus Christ with that shed by early Christians, who died because of the persecution of Emperor Nero . The Gardens of the Vatican date back to medieval times when vineyards and orchards were prolonged to the north of the Papal Apostolic Palace.

In 1279, Pope Nicholas III decided to move his residence back to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace, so the area became enclosed by walls

However, at the beginning of the 16th century, the gardens were reconstructed during the pontificate of Pope Julius II. Donato Bramante’s project considered splitting gardens into three new courtyards: the Cortili del Belvedere, the “della Biblioteca,” and the “della Pigna” (Pine Cone) in the Renaissance style.

Moreover, a rectangular Labyrinth set in boxwood and decorated with Italian stone pines and cedars of Lebanon was added to the design of the gardens. Today, the Vatican Gardens contain many medieval buildings and monuments from the 9th century to the present day, including flowers and greenery. Moreover, the gardens’ most notable feature is an artificial grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes (Grotta di Lourdes), a replica of the Lourdes Grotto located in France, and an olive tree donated by the government of Israel.

Tours to the Vatican Gardens (updated: May 2024)

Explore Rome in the most comfortable way!

from €150.00

The Vatican offers tours to its gardens, where most are in English and take place in the morning. Usually, the tour time is between 8:30 am, and 9:30 am. Read about my experience with the Group Tour to the Vatican Gardens.

• Vatican website: https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home
• Full ticket:  from 37 euros
• Reduced ticket:  from 24 euros
• Tour days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• Duration: 2 hours
• Type of tour: bus tour
• Languages: Italian, English, German, French, Spanish. Other languages are available upon written request at: [email protected]
• Note: the guided tour is not available for wheelchair users and is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility because of the type of standard route
• Tel.: +39 06 69883145; +39 06 69884676

Interesting Facts about the Vatican Gardens

• The House of the Gardener, located on the territory of the Vatican Gardens, is the most miniature building in the Vatican. This tiny house was built in 1776 and has just one room. It was originally used by the gardener to store his tools.
• At the end of the guided tour of the Vatican Gardens, visitors have open access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel . This means you can explore the art and history of Vatican City after a peaceful stroll through the gardens.
• The Radio of the Vatican, located on the territory of the Vatican Gardens, broadcasted in 45 languages worldwide and was created by Marconi in 1931. This radio station is still in operation today and is one of the most important Catholic media outlets in the world.
• Vatican City, with its Gardens, is recognized as a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site since it is the only site encompassing a whole country. This means that the Vatican City, with all its historical and cultural treasures, is protected as a whole entity.
• The present structure of the gardens is attributed to Pope Julius II, but further works were carried out under the Popes Clemens VII and Paul III. They designed the “secret garden” within the Vatican Gardens. This secluded area was used as a private retreat for the popes.
• Pope Paul IV commissioned the construction of a small palace surrounded by lush vegetation. It is known as “Casina di Pio IV” (The little house of Pio IV) and is home to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. This beautiful building is a hidden gem in the Vatican Gardens.
• Another garden with radiating pathways is in front of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and is bordered by geometrical hedges. It is known as “Giardino dei Semplici” and is used for the growing of medicinal herbs. This garden is a peaceful retreat for those interested in the healing properties of plants.
• Water to the fountains inside the Vatican Gardens comes from the Trajan Aqueduct from Bracciano Lake, which was renovated in the 1600s by Pope Paul IV. This aqueduct still supplies water to the Vatican City today, ensuring the fountains and gardens are always lush and green.
• Throughout history, different animals lived in the gardens, such as goats, deers, and gazelle. These animals were kept in a special section of the gardens called the “Zoo Garden.” Today, there are no animals living in the Vatican Gardens.
• The Vatican Gardens are very well seen from the dome of St Peter’s Basilica . Climbing to the top of the dome is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the gardens and the rest of the Vatican City.

Watch our vlog about the Eternal City and private tour to St Peter’s Basilica, Square , and instructions on how to climb up the dome! You can book this tour here. Discover a breathtaking view of the gardens from the dome of the Basilica in our video .

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Author: Kate Zusmann

For the last 10 years, I live in the Eternal City. Traveling, exploring new things, writing blogs, and shooting vlogs are my main hobbies, but the thing that I like even more is sharing my experience and thoughts with you! Explore Rome with Us :)

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How do I visit the Vatican Gardens?

The Vatican gardens are a sumptuous oasis away from the hustle and bustle, enjoyed by popes over many centuries.

Visitors can stroll the beautifully curated and maintained gardens, but only with a guide. Here’s how.

What are the Vatican Gardens?

The first thing to understand is that there are two sets of gardens connected to the Vatican. The first is within the walls of Vatican City itself, while the second is outside Rome at a town called Castel Gandolfo.

How to visit the Vatican Gardens in Rome

To visit the gardens you can only go with a guide, and therefore it is vital to book in advance. This will give you a one-hour guided tour through gardens that date back to the 13th century, very rarely seen.

Important knowledge: the booking will also include a ticket to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel that will allow you to skip the notorious lines – so when you’ve finished your tour, you can enjoy strolling around the rest of the Vatican, which includes the Sistine Chapel.

How to take the guided tour of the Vatican Gardens

15 minutes before the time on your ticket, go to the Vatican front door, walk right past the line and show your booking to the guard at the right-hand side of the entrance. Once inside and past security, go to the “Guided tour” desk and they will give you your tickets, and hook you up with your guide.

How to visit the Pope’s Gardens at Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a charming town in the Castelli Romani (“Roman castles” area) in the Alban Hills just 45 minutes outside Rome. It is the location of the Pope’s summer palace, which has a large garden attached that is open to the public on an irregular basis.

The town itself sits on the edge of an extinct volcanic caldera, high above the volcanogenic lake of Lago Albano and is worth a visit in its own right – either for the charming restaurants that look across the lake (our tip is a table on the beautiful terrace of Bucci restaurant) – or down on the lakeside where there are water activities, restaurants, lawns, and bars lining the lakeside.

How to get to Castel Gandolfo

To get to Castel Gandolfo, there is a regular train service from Termini. Just book your train ticket here – currently only €2.10 per adult! – and enjoy a leisurely journey from Rome up the side of the Alban hills and over the ridge of the caldera to Castel Gandolfo station. Once there it is a short-but-steep uphill walk to the town, where the Pope’s palace is on the edge of the quaint piazza. Alternatively you can stroll down to the lakeside but be warned that the town is very high above the lake and the walk may be something of a challenge.

The final train from Castel Gandolfo to Rome leaves at 10.50 pm so don’t be late – otherwise you’ll have an expensive taxi ride back to the city!

Train fact! There is a special direct train to Castel Gandolfo that leaves from a seldom-used custom-built station from within Vatican City itself, about once a month, designed to carry the Pope himself. In the past visitors were able to get a ticket for this train, but unfortunately it has not been running for the past year due to the pandemic.

How to visit the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo

Buy an entry ticket to the Papal Gardens in advance , take the train, and arrive for your charming and leisurely stroll through the immaculately maintained and curated gardens that even today the Popes enjoy during their downtime. You will also receive a complimentary snack of the local porchetta (roast pork) or a vegetarian alternative, and a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic alternative.

If you’re a more active visitor, you can get activity bundles that allow you to visit the gardens and explore the lake and surrounding forest:

• Papal gardens with kayak tour on Lake Albano
• Papal gardens with kayak tour and bike rental

Our top dining tip for Lake Albano: I Quadri restaurant. Delicious seafood and lake-fish with a lush lawn right down to the lakeside, where visitors can sunbathe or swim, or arrive by kayak and tie up while they eat. It’s the perfect day out from Rome and something few visitors spend time doing.

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The Vatican Gardens

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Visiting the Vatican Gardens

The  Vatican Gardens   are an oasis  in the middle of crowds of visitors who frequent places like the Basilica and the Vatican Museums . The green space within the Vatican walls seduces  nature lovers in particular and it is recommended for those who want to dig deeply into the Vatican history.

Legends aside, the gardens date from the medieval times,  . We need to go back to 1279, when Pope Nicolas III decided to wall off the area building inner walls, leaving a space occupied by vineyards and meadows which he decided to turn into his very own garden.

In the XVI century  , an important refurbishing and landscaping project by Pope Julius II, inspired by the early Renaissance Bramante’s hand, was performed.

What to see

The Vatican Gardens are a natural, architectural and artistic space   of great beauty and spirituality, in an area of 32 hectares, which occupies most of the Vatican Hill.

You will see a complex landscape full of  forests, medieval monuments, sculptures, floral extensions … The visit is   always guided,   the entrance without a guide is not authorised.  The tour is led by an official accredited guide and is delivered in the chosen language, including Spanish, using headphones. It lasts 2 hours   and it is not suitable for people on wheelchairs.

You will visit the  most picturesque areas: Giardino Quadrato,Casina Pio IV, Trevi dell’Aquilone, Grotta di Lourdes, the monument to the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II , the Vatican Radio building … and will enjoy views of the Basilica itself that you have never seen.

The tour ends in the Vatican Museums themselves.

Vatican Gardens Tours

The tour can be booked at [email protected]. It has a cost from 35 euros.

From our website, you can have access to  many   organized tours  which include a visit to the Gardens.

– This is a tour that requires a  minimum level of fitness . The tour lasts two hours and the terrain is quite uneven.

– The best time of year to see the gardens is during spring   in a cool sunny day.

– This tour gives you an excellent opportunity to find out about the actual daily life of the Vatican State   as you see administration, maintenance and security staff … during their daily routine. Not forgetting the family of cats living there.

– This will be greatly enjoyed by  botany  lovers. There are Mediterranean pines, cedars of Lebanon and an olive tree, a gift from the State of Israel.

– Is it really worth it? We think so. Mainly because of two reasons: the ticket includes access to the Vatican Museums and to the Sistine Chapel and the  view from   St Peter’s Dome  is fantastic.

Curiosities of the Vatican Gardens

The gardens of the Vatican are a place filled with stories and curiosities. The paths, the fountains, the grottos, the sculptures… have been witnesses to the history and the faith of its inhabitants.

The first was Pope Nicholas III, the official creator of the gardens in 1279 who planted a vegetable garden, the first grass lawns and a garden. Little remains today of that first project, not in vain the gardens have grown over the centuries to reach 23 hectares, forming what we know officially as “The Gardens of the Vatican City.”

The styles Three styles of landscaping coexist in the Gardens: English, French and Italian. They spread along the western Edge of the Vatican hill and also house a heliport, a train station and a radio station.

Place of reflection They’re conceived as the Pope’s place of meditation, so public access is very limited. Over the centuries, the Popes have adapted the complex to their tastes. For example, at the end of the 16 th century, the gardens where turned into an open-air museum with magnificent sculptures and fountains, many of them deeply symbolic.

For example, the beautiful Torre San Giovanni (St. John’s Tower), which dominates the gardens due to its height, is an emblematic spot which is even used for the Pope’s meetings with important politicians.

A garden dedicated to Mary Across the museums there are up to 14 images of the Virgin Mary which have been brought here from different places across the world.

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Vatican Gardens minibus tour

Vatican Gardens by minibus, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Throughout the centuries, starting in the 13th and thanks to the initiatives of various Pontiffs, these gardens have become richer and richer. Today they’re here around us to tell the stories of centuries and centuries of Papal history.

The Vatican Gardens are a unique encounter among nature, art and the Christian faith. A nature looked after with loving care, the works of so many artists, architects and creators and the Faith that inspired those who wanted these projects to coalesce in one harmonious location.

Description

Here we can admire Mediterranean flowers and plants, exotic species imported from faraway continents, lush lawns, centuries-old trees, hedgerows and even a small wood.

It is also a concentration of unique architectural and artistic structures: small temples, villas, grottoes, fountains, towers, ancient walls, statues, archaeological findings. Works that are memorials of events, places and saints linked to the bi-millennial history of the Church.

The gardens are a discreet oasis of peace where Pontiffs have sought a quiet refuge where to reflect and rest. For centuries reserved and secret, today the gardens are open to visitors from all around the world

• Guaranteed access after booking
• Priority access with no queue
• Tour of the Vatican Gardens by minibus with audio-guide
• Free tour of the Vatican Museums with no time limit
• Receive your tickets by email - Show only the official voucher that you will receive by email at the entrance to the Vatican Museums. The official voucher once issued can no longer be changed. Make sure you also check your email in your spam folder.
• Display your tickets on your smartphone

What’s included

• Access with priority entrance after booking your date and time
• Open minibus tour of the Vatican Gardens with multilingual audio-guide
• Free visit (without guide) of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

What’s not included

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Audio-guide tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Information and reception

WHAT TO DO FOR THE VATICAN GARDENS TOUR

• It is mandatory to book the date and time of the visit.

AVAILABLE DAYS 

• Every day except Sundays and Vatican holidays from 24.04.2023 to 31.10.2023

TOUR DEPARTURE TIME

• at 11:45 and 12:45

MEETING POINT

• Show up at least 15 minutes before the booking time, at the Vatican Museums (Viale Vaticano 6) - Guided Tours Desk

LANGUAGES AVAILABLE ON BOARD

• Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Russian

See   the map  of the Vatican Gardens

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE VATICAN GARDENS TOUR

•  At present the bus is not equipped with a wheelchair ramp
• The tour of the Vatican Gardens is not accessible to children under the age of 6
• No eating during the tour
• No smoking on the bus
• Use of selfie sticks is not permitted
• Leaving the bus during the tour is not permitted
• Picking flowers, plants or aromatic herbs is not permitted
• Seatbelts must be worn on the bus
• Only photos for private use may be taken in the Vatican Gardens
• The tour is confirmed also in case of adverse weather conditions
• The itinerary of the Vatican Gardens tour may vary due to unforeseen activities of the Holy See or of the Vatican State
• The tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel involves long stretches on foot, stairs and uphill paths, we therefore recommend wearing comfortable shoes

How to reach the Vatican Museums

• Metro: line A, Ottaviano - San Pietro Musei Vaticani stop
• Tram: 19, Piazza del Risorgimento plus a stretch on foot (about 10 minutes)
• Bus: line 40 or 64. Lines 32, 81 or 982, Piazza del Risorgimento, terminus (15 minutes on foot)
• Open Bus Vatican&Rome: stop n.1 or n.11 (Vatican/Castel Sant'Angelo)

Points of interest

Vatican Gardens Tour

The Lourdes Grotto

In the heart of the Vatican Gardens we find a faithful reproduction of the Lourdes grotto, a gift made to Pope Leo XIII in 1902 from the Bishop of the diocese that includes Lourdes.

The altar at the centre is original and had been in the Lourdes grotto for all of 100 years. It was donated to Pope John XXIII in 1958.

Here the Popes come to pray and celebrate Holy Mass during particular Marian celebrations. Benedict XVI often stops here to pray during his walks.

On special occasions groups of faithful go up to the grotto in the evening and hundreds of flambeaux , the candles used in Lourdes for the great processions on the grounds of the sanctuary, light up the roads of the Vatican Gardens.

The Villa of Pius IV

The Villa of Pius IV is a jewel of Renaissance architecture built by Pirro Ligorio, garden architect and hydraulic engineer to whom we also owe the Villa d'Este in Tivoli.

Elegant pavilions decorated with frescoes, stuccos and mosaics gather round a central nymphaeum embellished with fountains adorned with statues.

The water gushing from the fountains and the shade provided by centuries-old pine trees create an ideal place to defeat the heat of the Roman summers.

Today the villa houses the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

The Fountain of the Eagle

Since antiquity Rome has been the city where water has inspirited the life of its inhabitants in many ways. The Pontiffs, in particular from the 16th century, continued to offer the city water as a resource for life, but also as joy for the eyes.

The English poet Shelley wrote in his diary: "The fountains are enough to justify a trip to Rome" .

In the heart of the Vatican could not miss the fountains, a place of refreshment of body and soul, where you can stop and meditate

With this fountain, commissioned by Paul V Borghese in the early 17th century, the Dutch architect Giovanni Vasanzio recreated a very special environment: a series of shadowy caves covered with musk and climbing plants. Miniature waterfalls, tritons and winged dragons fuel with their gushes of water the great central basin from which the heads of two nymphs emerge.

The fountain is dominated from above by a large eagle. Dragons and eagles are heraldic symbols of the Borghese family.

Booking online coming soon For more information write to [email protected]

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Discover the Eternal City aboard our unmistakable yellow Vatican&Rome Open Bus and explore new routes using the fleet of our partners Big Bus Roma  and City Sightseeing Roma .

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Vatican Gardens tour – is it worth it? All you need to know

• In Guided tours Vatican Gardens Vatican Gardens tours

Want to make a Vatican Gardens tour ? If you ever got addicted to the HBO series The Young Pope you will surely remember plenty of scenes set in the Vatican Gardens.

Whilst the series itself was not actually permitted to be filmed in the Vatican City – the garden scenes for example were mainly shot in and around gardens in Rome – the scenery in the drama certainly whets the appetite for the lush formal greenery of the 57 acres of Vatican Gardens.

The Gardens are not open to the public or to even those who have a Vatican Museum ticket – the only way to visit is by taking a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens.

Costing around 33€ for a full paying adult, you may be asking yourself is it worth the money. Well read on to find out!

• 1.1 The Vatican Gardens should not be missed! Here’s why
• 2 Advantages of a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens
• 3.1 Vatican Garden with Breakfast
• 3.2 Vatican Gardens Bus Tour
• 3.3 Vatican Museums, Gardens and Pope’s Summer Residence
• 4 How to book a Vatican Gardens tour?
• 5 How to visit Vatican Gardens without a tour guide?
• 6 When to visit the Vatican Gardens?
• 7 Is a guided tour included with the Omnia Pass?
• 8 Vatican Garden’s calendar
• 9 Conclusion

Why should you book a Vatican Gardens tour ?

The vatican gardens should not be missed here’s why.

• Take in some of the most spectacular views of the Basilica , often unseen by the majority of people who visit the Holy See.
• Learn all sorts of interesting facts about the Vatican Gardens, such as how a radio station came to be built here, and what the Pope likes to do in the gardens.
• See some of the most splendid formal flower beds , statues and other interesting features such as relaxing fountains and sculptures
• Added bonus – tickets ( see on this website ) also include entry to the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica

Advantages of a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens

• Access is by reserved tour only , so you’ll have the chance to explore a lesser known part of the Vatican, away from hoards of tourists visiting the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica
• Visitors on a Vatican Guided Tour will be able to skip the lines to the Basilica
• Access to a part of the Vatican that the vast majority of people haven’t even seen

Most interesting Vatican Garden Tour ?

Several different standard tours exist for those wishing to tour the Vatican Gardens either on a private tour or as a group ( see details here ). These usually last around 2 hours and will inform visitors of the history of the Vatican Gardens and lots of other interesting facts.

There are also some very interesting non-standard options for visiting the Vatican Gardens, such as:

Vatican Garden with Breakfast

• Start your day with breakfast in one of the Vatican cafes
• Once fuelled by coffee, embark on a tour of the stunning Vatican Gardens
• Finish up with the old favourites of The Vatican Museums , Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica
• Prices start at around €130

Vatican Gardens Bus Tour

• Ideal for those with limited mobility
• Great for those who are pressed for time – Vatican Garden Tours by Bus last only 45 minutes
• See all the sights from an open top bus and get a unique vantage point of this lush landscape
• Prices start at around €80 ( check last price here )

Vatican Museums, Gardens and Pope’s Summer Residence

• Includes all the usual Vatican city attractions – St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, as well as the Vatican Gardens
• Delightful tour outside the Vatican City to the Pope’s beautiful summer residence in the charming town of Castel Gandolfo
• Take the train from the Vatican City direct to Castel Gandolfo
• Explore the villa there, as well as the Barberini Gardens , before spending some free time in Castel Gandolfo
• Lunch is included

How to book a Vatican Gardens tour?

For the best discounts on Vatican Garden Tour tickets we would recommend to book online .  This is especially important for those wanting to do a tour of the Vatican Gardens, as there are limited tours available and in the peak periods you may miss out if you leave it to the last minute!

There are several advantages to this, including the ability to skip the line at the Vatican Museums and Basilica .

You will also be able to avail of any discounts or online promotions that many tour companies give for online bookings .

How to visit Vatican Gardens without a tour guide?

There are only a few ways to visit the Vatican Gardens without a guide – you’d have to be elected Pope, work in the Vatican household or undertake some illegal activity, against which we definitely advise!

You can see the Vatican Gardens from some windows in the museums , however how depressing is it to look at something and not be able to access it!

The gardens are intended as a place of sanctuary for the pontiff and as a result access is limited and controlled – you’ll just have to buy a ticket !

When to visit the Vatican Gardens?

The gardens are open to those with a pre-reserved ticket between 9am and 6pm , apart from Sundays and Wednesdays.

As with many of the Vatican attractions, the off season ( October / November ) is a great time to visit the gardens, with lighter crowds and a temperature more suited to exploring.

Is a guided tour included with the Omnia Pass?

Very unfortunately, the Vatican Gardens Tours are not available for those who have an Omnia Pass . The best way to work the Vatican Gardens if you wish to get a city pass is to get a cheaper pass – such as the Roma Pass ( about €52 ) – that covers many Rome attractions, and then just use the Vatican Gardens Tour and complimentary tickets for the Museums, Basilica and Sistine Chapel!

A good option is the Rome Tourist Card with Vatican option. For €120 you'll get entrance to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. And it comes with an audio guide in English. Then, you can book a Vatican Gardens tour in addition to all the benefits of the Card. It's not the cheapest option, but it's an ultra complete pass and the one we recommend.

Vatican Garden’s calendar

The Vatican Gardens are open all year round so can be visited whenever you want – just make sure to not plan a trip for Sundays or Wednesdays as they are closed an you will  be extremely disappointed!!

We hope we’ve convinced you to take a guided tour of the fabulous and mostly missed Vatican Gardens. It really is the place to head to in the Vatican for some quiet contemplation and beautiful scenery.

Book your tickets at least three days in advance and skip the lines to access some of the most wonderful flowers and gardens in Italy!

What’s up to every , for the reason that I am really eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated daily. It consists of good information.

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A Marian pilgrimage in the Vatican Gardens

Beata Zajączkowska

Statue of Our Lady of Czestochowa, in the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are a vast natural sanctuary of spiritual significance within the heart of Vatican City. Occupying approximately half of the Vatican’s territory, these gardens were once retreats for popes. Today, the gardens are open to the public , inviting visitors to discover their artistic, spiritual, and botanical treasures.

The month of May holds special significance in the Catholic tradition as a time specially dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This practice stems from centuries-old devotions, where May’s blossoming flowers and vibrant natural beauty symbolize Mary’s virtues and role as the mother of Jesus. It is only natural that the Vatican would seize this opportunity to invite visitors in, as the gardens are blooming: During the whole month, the Vatican Museums are proposing a cultural, spiritual, and botanical itinerary in the exclusive context of the Gardens.

This cultural, spiritual, and nature-filled tour invites visitors to discover the numerous representations of the Virgin Mary scattered throughout this lush setting .

Every Wednesday after the Pope’s general audience and every Saturday, visitors can embark on this journey – from May 4 to May 29.

Mary from around the world

The Gardens host a rich collection of Marian figures from across the globe. You will encounter depictions of Our Lady of Lourdes (including a replica of the famous French original), Our Lady of Fatima, and the monument to Our Lady of Guadalupe – particularly revered by Pope Francis. These diverse portrayals demonstrate how popes throughout history have honored Mary within this special space.

The Marian pilgrimage through the Vatican Gardens is accessible to all visitors. Guided tours, available in Italian and English, are accessible to people with sensory, motor, and learning disabilities. Families with children (aged 6 and over) are particularly invited to experience this enriching visit. To make accessibility arrangements, you can send an email to the Vatican Museums here.

The Vatican Gardens’ Marian pilgrimage offers a meaningful journey for those seeking spiritual solace, artistic appreciation, the tranquility and beauty of nature – or all of the above. In the midst of its flora, you will find a world of devotions and artistic treasures honoring the Virgin Mary, making your May a truly memorable one.

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Relic of St. Jude makes a stop at cathedral in Garden Grove during SoCal tour

This is the first time the relic of St. Jude has left Rome in 1,700 years according to the director of the Vatican Pilgrimage.

By Hetty Chang and Missael Soto • Published April 30, 2024 • Updated on April 30, 2024 at 8:47 pm

Thousands of the faithful made their way to Orange County to experience an opportunity of many lifetimes.

For the first, and likely only time in history, the relic of St. Jude was taken out of Rome and has been touring the United States since September.

Several thousand people are expected to venerate the relic where it is on display at the Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove.

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Antoinette Chirgwin waited three hours before the doors opened Tuesday afternoon and said the reason for her visit was her mother who is battling cancer.

“When else am I going to do that?” said Chirgwin. “St. Jude is the saint of the impossible. My mom is battling cancer.”

This is her mother’s fourth cancer diagnosis and for believers like Chirgwin, St. Jude represents hope.

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“For the peace in the whole world, pray for the people who pass away,” wished Huntington Park resident, Mary Gray, who was visiting the Christ Cathedral.

The wooden carving that holds a bone fragment of St. Jude’s arm is displayed in a glass case in front of the Christ Cathedral. Each person in line is given ten seconds in front of the relic.

Those few moments are said to have brought miracles in the relic’s tour across the United States according to Carlos Martins, the director of Vatican Pilgrimage of the major relics of St. Jude.

“Her spine took a took a twist right in between her shoulder blades,” said Martins of a woman he met on the tour. “She came to the event and the next day she woke up and her brace wouldn’t fit her. Her spine is perfectly straight.”

Martins explained why many faithful hold such an infinity to St. Jude.

“He [St. Jude] being such a hero to people. It is very meaningful to people to encounter his relics. It facilitates an intimacy,” said Martins. “This arm, many times embraced the body of the world's savior. This is how close we are to Jesus to this moment”

The relic of St. Jude will be at the Christ Cathedral in California until the end of May.

For a complete list of dates and locations click here.

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