The Vatican Gardens cover more than half of the area of Vatican City, behind St Peter's Basilica, on the Vatican hill. A mix of Italian gardens, groves, fountains and lawns, they cannot be visited freely: you enter only on an organised tour, booked through the Vatican Museums' official ticket office. Depending on the option you choose, the visit is on foot with a guide or by minibus, and lasts about two hours; it is often combined with entry to the Vatican Museums on the same day. Days, time slots and prices change with the season: check the official ticket office before booking.
Highlights
The Italian gardens
Flower beds, trimmed hedges and paths lined with umbrella pines stretch out behind the basilica. The view of Michelangelo's dome is one of the finest in Rome.
The umbrella pines
Tall pines overlook several paths and give shade during the visit.
The Triton Fountain
One of the park's fountains, in the middle of the lawns: a good photo stop during the guided tour.
The view of the dome
From the garden, St Peter's Basilica is seen from an angle that visitors in the square never get.
Practical info
Tips
Booking is compulsory, only through the Vatican Museums' official ticket office; beware of resellers, who charge more. The price, the language of the tour and the time slot depend on the option (on foot or by minibus): the exact fare is shown when you book. Groups are accompanied throughout and you cannot leave the route. Proper dress required (shoulders and knees covered), as for the museums. Comfortable shoes and water in summer: shade is uneven. For the other Vatican sights, see the pages on the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica.
How to get there
The tour starts at the Vatican Museums entrance, Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome. Metro line A, Ottaviano - San Pietro station, then about 10 minutes' walk.
Opening hours
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