Vatican Gardens

The basics

These lovely grounds are closed to the general public and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Join an official small-group tour to enter the gardens through the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani). Or, book a skip-the-line private tour that includes a walking tour of the Vatican Gardens to avoid the long lines. Vatican Gardens tours generally also include visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), and St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro), home to Michelangelo's Pietà.

Things to know before you go

• Vatican Gardens tours are especially interesting for avid gardeners.

• Picking plants and flowers from the garden is strictly forbidden.

• There is a security check at the entrance to the museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.

• If your ticket to the Vatican Gardens includes entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

• The Vatican Gardens are not wheelchair accessible and tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

How to get there

The Vatican Gardens are accessed through the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano in Vatican City. They’re within a 30-minute walk of some Roman attractions, such as Piazza Navona and the Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo), but may be easiest to reach via taxi. To use public transportation, take the metro line A to Ottaviano, the closest station to St. Peter’s Basilica.

When to get there

The gardens of Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano) are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning tour if you prefer a quieter experience. Spring and fall are considered the most beautiful seasons to view the gardens.

Vatican Gardens highlights

In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned Donato Bramante to rework the area into a Renaissance design; the architect installed a giant labyrinth, introduced Lebanese cedars, and built a fortified stone wall that’s still standing. In 1902, the Lourdes Grotto, a replica of the miraculous cave in France, was added.

Ways to explore

Because the Vatican Gardens are on private property, you must book an open-bus tour in order to see them. Official tours enter the gardens through the Vatican Museums and last about two hours, making them easy to pair with a private or small-group tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Many Vatican Museums tours also include entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica via a fast-track internal passage to bypass the long line in St. Peter’s Square, giving you more time to visit St. Peter’s Dome, the Vatican Grottoes, and other highlights.

Accessibility

Bus tours of the Vatican Gardens are not accessible to wheelchairs. An onboard, multilingual audio guide is included with your ticket.

Age limits

Children under 7 are not allowed to participate in Vatican Gardens bus tours.

What to pack

Sun hat, sunglasses, camera

What to wear

You’ll need to pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you’re also planning to visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas and selfie sticks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects

Amenities

Restrooms, a café, and a gift shop are located inside the Vatican Museums.

Address

Entry to the Vatican Gardens is via the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano, about a 10-minute walk along the walls of Vatican City from St. Peter’s Square and a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station.

Driving

The chaotic traffic and lack of parking near the Vatican Gardens make driving challenging. You’re better off taking a taxi or a rideshare to the stand just outside the Vatican Museums’ entrance.

Public transportation

The Ottaviano station on metro line A is an approximately 5-minute walk from the Vatican Museums, while bus 49 stops in the square in front of the entrance. Tram 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento, about an 8-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Because you’ll be on an open-top bus, book your tour in the morning to avoid the midday heat and sun.

Best days to visit

The gardens are closed on Sundays and religious holidays, and Saturdays tend to be busiest. The best days to bypass the crowds are Monday–Friday.

Best months to visit

Peak bloom in the Vatican Gardens generally takes place in May and June and again in September and October.

Special events

On rare occasions, the gardens are open on Sundays or religious holidays for special visits or events. Check the official Vatican Museums website to see an updated schedule.