Vatican Gardens Cover Half Of The Country And Could Actually Be Visited
The Vatican Gardens cover half of the country and could actually be visited. The Vatican Gardens have only been accessible to the general public for the past ten years, yet they should not be missed by anybody who is in town.
Jane RestureJul 25, 202331265 Shares459776 Views
The Vatican Gardens cover half of the countryand could actually be visited. The Vatican Gardens have only been accessible to the general public for the past ten years, yet they should not be missed by anybody who is in town.
It's not very often that one comes upon a garden that takes up half of a nation. The Gardens of the Vatican City are a collection of private urban gardens that may be seen by the general public through a series of guided tours.
They have long served as the Pope's tranquil retreat, and today the general public is permitted to visit them for themselves. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica are the two most popular destinations for visitors to Vatican City; nevertheless, there is much more to this micronation than just those two landmarks (there is even a necropolis below Vatican City that only a select few get to view).
Even though St. Peter's Basilica is the most well-known landmark in Vatican City, visitors who are aware of where to seek will find a plethora of other interesting places to visit.
The Gardens Of The Vatican City
The Pope is the only owner of the Vatican Gardens, which are known as Giardini Vaticani in Italian. These gardens may be found in the western part of the Vatican City State. The gardens also have a few outbuildings here and there.
The gardens include around 57 acres, which is equivalent to half of the nation, and are enclosed on three sides by stone walls. The grounds are home to a number of different fortifications that date back to the middle ages.
- Size - 57 Acres
- Started - 1279
- Patroness of the gardens - Saint Therese of Lisieux The Little Flower
The Vatican Gardens were designed throughout the Renaissance and the Baroque eras, and they feature a wealth of statues and fountains that are representative of those time periods. In addition, guests should be on the lookout for the seventeen sculptures of Mary that are scattered around the grounds.
What To Expect
The walled-off Vatican Gardens stand away from Rome's busy daily life. Visitors may observe the network of twisting roads, verdant greenery, and several antique medieval sculptures here. There are turtles in the fountains, as well as spectacular views of St. Peter's Basilica.
The following are some of the tour's highlights:
- Saint John's Tower - A Medieval Tower With Great Views Of The Gardens
- The Lourdes Grotto - A Replica Of The Pilgrimage Cave In Massabielle, France
- Papal Coat of Arms - Complete With A Crown and Keys Made From Hedges
- Fountain of the Eagle - Represents The Return Of Water To The Vatican From Aqcua Paola
- Statues Of Virgin Mary - See 17 Mary Images
- Governor's Palace - Home To Much Of The Vatican City Government
Furthermore, the Vatican Gardens house the Vatican heliport and a train station reserved exclusively for papal use. There is a publicly accessible radio station.
Fountains, monuments, flora, sculptures, and structures (some dating back to the 6th century, while others are recent presents from foreign nations) embellish the grounds. It's an experience to walk through the serene grounds that were once reserved for the Pope, Papal ceremonies, and other dignitaries and official activities.
How To Visit The Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens have just recently been made available to the public. Pope Francis opened them to the public in 2014 for groups with a tour guide.
While the Vatican City is often congested with visitors rushing to see the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Gardens are rarely busy. There is a limit-entry policy in place to keep things peaceful. It also provides some of the greatest views of St. Peter's Basilica Dome.
Ticket To Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel With Vatican Gardens Tour By Open Bus:
- Cost - €65 ($70)
- Duration - 3 Hours
- Note - Print The Ticket Out
The Vatican Gardens are best visited early in the morning before the throng gather, or late in the afternoon right before closure. Because of the heavier crowds, it is also best to avoid visiting the Vatican on weekends and Wednesdays. The Pope holds a papal audience on Wednesdays, which draws a large crowd.
Vatican Gardens Working Hours
- Thurs-Sat & Mon-Tues - 9.00 am to 9.00 pm
- Closed - Wednesdays & Sundays
On Wednesdays, the Vatican Gardens are also closed. Visit the Vatican Tickets and Tours website for further information, tour times, and ticket purchases. The Vatican Museums have been working to restore and preserve the gardens since 2014.
Final Words
There's something magical about seeing the Vatican Gardens, which few people have seen and have just been available to the public for the last nine years. The Vatican City may be the smallest country on the planet, yet most visitors only see around half of it. The Aventine Keyhole is another hidden gem in Rome, where tourists may look through and view three nations at once.
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