All You Need to Know About The Gardens of Vatican City | Tickets, Timings, Highlights
Vatican Gardens | Key Information
Total Area: 23 hectares (57 acres)
Highest point: 60 m above mean sea level
Started in: 1279
Started by: Pope Nicholas III
Landscaping styles: English, French and Italian
Patroness of the gardens: Saint Therese of Lisieux The Little Flower
Select Your Tickets Vatican Garden Tour and Vatican Museum Tickets
Your Vatican Gardens Tour Options Explained
Vatican Gardens Guided Tour with Vatican Museum Access
Your Vatican Gardens tickets offer an exclusive tour of the Vatican Gardens with skip-the-line access tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Areas of access: Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museum, and Sistine Chapel
- Skip the line access: Yes
- Guided tour: Audio guide
- Exclusions: Gratuities, Transfers & Guide
- Cancelation policy: This ticket cannot be canceled
- Mobile ticket: No. Please carry a printed copy of your ticket
What to Expect from Your Vatican Gardens Tour?
A Vatican Garden tour is a great way to soak in the green splendor of nature, away from the bustling city life. Once you enter the Vatican Gardens, you will witness amazing twisting paths, emerald green foliage, multi-colored flowers, and ancient sculptures that date back to medieval times. As you stroll down the garden you will see exquisitely curated mini-gardens, and a harmonious balance of trees, bushes, and flowers along shaded walkways.
While ambling down the garden, stop and marvel at the beautiful fountains that adorn the garden. Be on the lookout for the turtles that live in the fountains; they often come over for a hello! You will also catch a glimpse of the olive tree and the papyrus plant, part of the curated collection in the Vatican Gardens. The cherry on top is an impressive view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica that you can capture from various points in the Vatican Gardens.
Vatican Gardens Highlights
- Saint John’s Tower: Enjoy some spectacular views of the gardens and the surrounding city from this medieval tower. Today, this tower space is mainly used today as papal apartments. It has also 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.
- Fountain of the Eagle: Take a look at the fountain that represents a return of water to the Vatican from the Acqua Paola.
- The Lourdes Grotto: A replica of the pilgrimage cave in Massabielle, France, where a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous saw a vision of the Madonna.
- 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.
- Governor’s Palace: This is the building where much of the Vatican City government is located. This palace can be found right behind St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The Gardens are also home to the Vatican heliport, train station (papal use only), and radio station (can be used by the general public).
All Your Questions About Vatican Gardens Tours Answered
A. The availability of Vatican Guided tours is often limited. An equally convenient option is to opt for an audio guide.
A. Yes, your Vatican Gardens tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long waiting lines.
A. No. Not all Vatican tickets include access to the Vatican Gardens. You will have to book tickets that specifically include entry into the Vatican Gardens.
A. Yes, like most religious sites, the Vatican too has a strict dress code year-round for men and women. All visitors must have their shoulders concealed and pants/skirts must be below the knee.
A. Yes. Photography is permitted in the Vatican Gardens.
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St Peters Basilica
Sistine Chapel
