Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are a landscaped botanical park located in the western part of Vatican City, covering an area of more than 20 hectares. Access to the gardens is permitted only through guided tours conducted by Vatican staff. Independent visits are not allowed.

The gardens occupy nearly half of the territory of the Vatican. The complex includes palaces, towers, flower beds, paths, alleys, fountains, and sources of spring water. The hilly terrain is covered with subtropical vegetation, and visitors can see fountains, sculptures, ancient mosaics, and paintings. Tree species include palms, cypresses, pines, and chestnuts, while decorative areas feature cacti and agave.

During periods of midday heat, Popes traditionally use the gardens for private walks. Consequently, access to tourists is restricted at certain times, and the gardens may be completely closed during these hours.

History
The first gardens in the Vatican were established in the 13th century and were primarily used for growing vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. In the 16th century, a decorative Renaissance-style park was created. During the 19th century, elements of English landscape design were introduced, and a small zoo was added within the garden complex.

Access and Tours
Visitors can enter the Vatican Gardens only through organized tours. Tickets are generally combined with entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It is recommended to purchase tickets well in advance, often two months before the planned visit, due to limited group sizes and high demand.

Two types of tours are available:

• Walking tours: Lasting approximately two hours, conducted in the morning at scheduled times. Guides are available in English, Spanish, German, and Italian. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes before the start. Depending on the season, tours begin at 9:30 or 11:00.
• Bus tours: Conducted on small open eco-buses with a maximum capacity of 28 people. Buses operate every 30 minutes in the morning, with the last departure at 13:00. Stops outside the bus are not permitted during these tours.

Opening Hours
The gardens are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They are closed on Wednesday, Sunday, and public holidays.

Today, the Vatican Gardens are recognized not only for their horticultural and architectural features but also for their historical significance, reflecting centuries of papal influence and European garden design.