Vatican Gardens Tour
Within Rome’s papal state lies the Gardens of Vatican City or Giardini Vaticani. Spread over 57 acres, this area has a Renaissance layout, adorned with sculptures, fountains, monuments, botanicals and buildings that date as far back as the 6th Century. The Vatican Gardens are rarely crowded due to their limited-entry policy. While these manicured grounds are the perfect place in the city to enjoy some peace, it is also the place where you can get some of the best views of the St Peter’s Basilica Dome the twin cities of Rome and Vatican City.
Why Take a Vatican Gardens Tour?
There is much interest surrounding the Vatican Gardens; the main one being its existence dating back to the medieval times when groves and vineyards stretched north of the Papal Apostolic Palace. In 1279 when Pope Nicholas III shifted his residence to the Vatican from the Lateran Place, he closed the area with walls and created an orchard, a meadow, and a garden; this is now open to the public in the form of the Vatican Gardens.
While strolling through the diverse and serene paths of the Vatican Gardens, you can identify not just Italian influences, but French and English as well. Italian style includes the unique geometrical designs doused with a Renaissance touch. While the French garden differentiates its great expression in the classic baroque art, enhanced by statues and water games, the English garden showcases numerous features with natural and artificial elements such as caves, streams, trees, pagodas, temples, and ruins. Besides being a visual feast, visiting the Vatican Gardens also offers a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the everyday life of the papal state.
Vatican Gardens Tour
Your Vatican Gardens tour offers an exclusive tour of the Vatican Gardens with skip-the-line access tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Travel on a comfortable minibus and get an in-depth understanding of the history of these landmarks through the multilingual audio guide made available.
- 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
Vatican Gardens Tour: What to Expect?
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 the 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 Tour FAQ
Q. Are guided tours of the Vatican Gardens available?
A. The availability of Vatican Guided tours is often limited. An equally convenient option is to opt for an audio guide.
Q. Does my guided tour of the Vatican Gardens include skip-the-line access?
A. Yes, your Vatican Gardens tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long waiting lines.
Q. Are Vatican Gardens included in my Vatican tickets?
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.
Q. Do I have to follow a dress code for visiting the Vatican Gardens?
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.
Q. Is photography allowed in the Vatican Gardens?
Yes. Photography is permitted in the Vatican Gardens.