Vatican Garden tickets & tours

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150,676 travellers from around the world love this
Vatican gardens tour
























































From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Irina G

Armenia
Couple
4 days ago
All was great, I really enjoyed all the rooms. It desplayed masterpieces of different artists and periods of time. I felt the history myself.

Mariam A

Georgia
Group
5 days ago

+1 more

Everything went smoothly, no lines - we skipped everything, audiophile was also helpful, so over all it was an excellent experience

Deryk R

United Kingdom
Couple
6 days ago

+3 more

The history, the architecture, the mesuem, the half way arena built on top of wooden beams supports. Ontop of the advice to visit the Roman forum and Palestine hill from our trusted guide tours that saved us a hefty wait time.

Attilio C

Family
Last week
Excellent organization, well-designed app. Perhaps the route could have been improved, as the stops were scattered and not contiguous, but overall it was a positive experience.

Eszter F

Couple
Last week
The start was a bit stressful. We couldn’t find the contact person at the designated meeting point as quickly as we had expected. After searching for a while, a man appeared wearing a small badge on his shirt and a cord around his neck. Since we had already been looking everywhere and almost no one seemed to know anything about the company, we started to feel slightly panicked and even wondered if we had been scammed. He also arrived a little later than the indicated time. However, when we approached him, it turned out he was indeed the person who led us to the rest of the group. At that moment, a sense of relief set in, we finally felt we were in good hands. It did take some time before our guide arrived, and the waiting was a bit unpleasant. [It’s important to arrive well in advance at each location to ensure you’re on time and able to enter without issues.] Then our guide arrived, and from that point on, I can only write praise. She is truly a powerhouse. You simply cannot miss her voice, she speaks loudly and clearly. She engages actively with the group and makes sure to keep everyone involved. She prepared us well for the waiting time and filled it with genuinely interesting facts and historical insights, which made the long wait much more bearable. Unfortunately, the “skip-the-line ticket” didn’t quite feel like it, as one of the gates was closed—this remained somewhat unclear. In total, we ended up waiting in line for an hour and forty-five minutes. That said, the guide was very attentive, making sure no one cut in line. She confidently addressed anyone who attempted to do so, which was both reassuring and impressive to witness. She frequently checked in to make sure everyone was doing okay. It was also helpful that people were walking around selling ice-cold water in the heat for just €2. As an additional suggestion, it would be helpful to inform participants in advance to bring food and drinks, as it can be a long day. This simple tip would have benefited many people in the group and made the experience more comfortable overall. Once inside, everything went smoothly. The guidance within the church was engaging and informative. She even arranged for a priest to give our group a blessing, which was a very special moment. She was a warm, energetic, and passionate guide with many wonderful stories to share. The experience was absolutely worth it. Once again, thank you for this memorable tour. We loved her very much!!!! xxx

Ivan A

Spain
Couple
Last week
An incredible and truly wonderful experience—I highly recommend it. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Rome, and I’d love to go back again.

Tanya O

Switzerland
Couple
Last week
A really interesting and wonderful tour! Our guide, Valentina, gave clear explanations and provided fascinating background information! It was a long walk, but we weren’t bored for a single moment. She guided us smoothly through the crowded museum and eventually to St. Peter’s Basilica without any lines. Thanks for the fun afternoon!

Aleksei Z

Cyprus
Solo
Last week
Susanna was just awesome, showed everything in a pleasant 3 hours Spanish tour, that flew just like 5 minutes. One of the best experiences ever, highly recommended. Easy to find the meeting point, nicely organised, visit only highlights with no necessity to discover yourself. Just take the unpacked treasury of art prepared for you to enjoy!

Top things to do in Rome

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. Booking online allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket office. Additionally, entry to the gardens is limited, and only a small amount of reservations are taken each day. 
  • 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?

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.

Explore Vatican Gardens

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.

Vatican Gardens

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

Vatican Gardens

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

Timings - 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.
Free wifi
  • Free Wifi
  • Multilingual audio guide
  • Limited wheelchair accessibility
  • Elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility
Tips
  • 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. 
Pasta
  • 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. 

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.