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Heliport Terrace Level

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Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)

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The terrace level of the Vatican Heliport is an artificially shaped plateau in the westernmost part of the Vatican Gardens, creating a functional bridge between historical topography and modern requirements. Established in 1976 under Pope Paul VI, it involved leveling a section of the Leonine Walls and adjacent terrain to create a stable and safe landing surface for helicopters. Geologically, the plateau rests on a solid base of tuff, further stabilized with concrete reinforcements to withstand the stresses of takeoffs and landings. The location provides a clear approach path away from high-central buildings, ensuring the safety of papal transport. The terrace is surrounded by low hedges and security fences that discretely blend into the gardens' green appearance. Beyond its logistical significance, the heliport serves as a symbol of the Holy See's international connectivity in the 20th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Heliport Terrace Level is an artificially leveled plateau not open to the public. You can see the level from the surrounding paths of the Vatican Gardens if you join a guided tour.
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Typical hours
Since the area cannot be entered, there are no opening hours. The Vatican Gardens, from which the terrace level is visible, are only accessible on guided tours at set times.
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Photography
Photos of the terrace level are allowed from the public areas of the Vatican Gardens during guided tours. Please avoid flash to not disturb the plants and the atmosphere.
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Time needed
Viewing the terrace level from the gardens takes just a few minutes as it is only a part of the tour. Allow about 1 to 2 hours for the full garden tour.
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Combine with
Combine viewing this level with a tour of the Vatican Gardens, which includes other viewpoints. The nearby Leonine Wall provides additional historical contrast.
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Getting there
Access to the Vatican Gardens, from where the terrace level is visible, is through the Belvedere Courtyard. Advance booking for the tour is mandatory.
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Insider tip
Ask your guide about the exact purpose of the terrace level - it is a technical masterpiece of landscape planning. The best view of the level opens from the eastern side of the gardens.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90120, 12.45150

Facts

  • The heliport was officially put into service on June 27, 1976.
  • The landing plateau has a diameter of approximately 30 meters.
  • It is primarily used for flights to the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
  • Construction required the removal of several hundred cubic meters of soil.
  • Special lighting systems allow for landings in poor visibility conditions.
  • The heliport is situated at an elevation of about 75 meters above sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Southern Garden KnollSouthern Garden Knoll<1 km · NEExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia4 km · EExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Heliport Terrace Level (10)

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, serving the Ethiopian Christian community.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, a landmark of Vatican City.

♿

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop St. Peter's dome, offering panoramic views of Rome.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:30-17:00♿

Sacristy🏛 museum

Sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica, storing liturgical items.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Major church in Vatican City, built over Saint Peter's tomb.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, site of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Arch of the Bells

Gateway on the north side of St. Peter's Square, entrance to Vatican.

Lourdes Grotto

Replica of the Lourdes grotto located in the Vatican Gardens.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the heliport still in use?
Yes, it is used by the Pope for travels to airports or to Castel Gandolfo.
Can visitors step onto the terrace?
Mostly, the area can only be seen from a distance during the garden tour.
Who built the heliport?
It was established under Pope Paul VI in 1976.
How large is the terrace level?
It is a compact area at the westernmost point of the Vatican.
Are there statues there?
A statue of Our Lady of Częstochowa is located nearby.
Heliport Terrace Level: where is it located?
Heliport Terrace Level is located in Vatican.
Heliport Terrace Level: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians, St Mary's Church, Cupola di San Pietro.
Heliport Terrace Level: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Heliport Terrace Level: why is it worth visiting?
The terrace level of the Vatican Heliport is an artificially shaped plateau in the westernmost part of the Vatican Gardens, creating a functional bridge between historical topography and modern requirements.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Railway Station — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Bunker Access — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Vatican Railway Embankment — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Vatican Railway Embankment
An artificial railway embankment in the southern part of the Vatican, connecting the station to the Italian rail network.
Vatican Hill South Edge — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Vatican Hill South Edge
The topographic boundary of the hill in the south, where the terrain slopes down to the station and Via Aurelia.
Tribunal Palace — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Tribunal Palace
The Palazzo del Tribunale serves as the judicial headquarters of Vatican City State.
Mosaic Studio Slope — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Mosaic Studio Slope
A steep topographic section behind St.
Papal Crest Flowerbed — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Papal Crest Flowerbed
An elaborately designed flowerbed in front of the Governor's Palace representing the crest of the current Pope using living plants.

Nature

Southern Garden Knoll — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Southern Garden Knoll
A small elevation in the southern part of the Vatican Gardens.
Vatican Mediterranean Maquis — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Vatican Mediterranean Maquis
An area within the gardens preserved to showcase the typical shrubland of the Lazio region.
Central Garden Ridge — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Central Garden Ridge
The raised ridge that runs through the center of the gardens.
Lebanon Cedars Slope — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Lebanon Cedars Slope
Magnificent specimens of Lebanon Cedars perched on the slopes of the hill.

More places

San Carlo Palace — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Governatorato Palace — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà
The national church for the German-speaking population in the Vatican, located directly adjacent to the Campo Santo Teutonico.
Canons&#39; Palace — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Palace of the Sacristy — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.
Archpriest&#39;s Palace — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
Archpriest's Palace
This building serves as the official residence of the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Heliport Terrace Level (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.