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Saint Martha's House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Saint Martha House (Domus Sanctae Marthae) is a modern building in Vatican City that primarily serves as a residence for clergy visiting or working for the Holy See. It was completed in 1996 under Pope John Paul II, replacing the old Saint Martha hospice. The building features 106 suites and 22 single rooms, which serve as accommodation for cardinal electors during a conclave, providing them with more comfort than the improvised quarters previously used in the Apostolic Palace. The house gained global fame when Pope Francis decided, following his election in 2013, to live permanently in Suite 201 instead of moving into the official papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. He utilizes the house's dining room and chapel for his daily communal life and early morning masses.

Location: Vatican City, Vatican
Top sights: Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians · St Mary's Church · Vatican Hill

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Pope's residence is not open to the public. The building can be viewed from the outside from Vatican City.

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Typical hours

As a private residence, there are no visiting hours. The area is accessible around the clock but best explored during daytime.

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Photography

Photography from outside is allowed and common. Try to capture the Swiss Guard in the background for context.

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Time needed

A short photo stop and viewing the building takes about 10-15 minutes. For a full exploration of Vatican City, allow several hours.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. St. Peter's Square is just a few minutes' walk away.

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Getting there

The residence is within Vatican City, accessible via the entrance from St. Peter's Square. Best reached on foot or by metro to Ottaviano.

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Insider tip

Visit during a papal audience to possibly catch a glimpse of the Pope. Check the schedule in advance.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90100, 12.45100

Facts

The building was completed in the year 1996.
It contains a total of 106 suites and 22 single rooms.
Pope Francis occupies Suite 201 on the second floor.
During a conclave, the house is isolated from the outside world.
The chapel of the house is dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
It is located adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica and the Audience Hall.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Railway Station Greenery<1 km · SExplore →

Palazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →

Medaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →

Gianicolense3 km · SExplore →

Flaminio3 km · NEExplore →

Val Cannuta3 km · WExplore →

Porta Pia4 km · EExplore →

Colosseum4 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Saint Martha's House (10)

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Ethiopian saints.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Vatican Hill

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

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, an iconic landmark.

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Sacristy🏛 museum

Sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica, housing liturgical vestments and vessels.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering views over Rome and the Vatican.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, the center of the Catholic Church.

Lourdes Grotto

Building in Vatican City, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City, part of the Vatican fortifications.

Porta Pertusa

Building in Rome, one of the gates of the Leonine Wall.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who lives in the St. Martha House?

Pope Francis lives there, along with clergy who work in or visit the Vatican.

Can tourists stay there?

No, it is reserved only for clergy and invited guests of the Vatican.

Why doesn't the Pope live in the Apostolic Palace?

Pope Francis chose St. Martha House for its simpler style and the sense of community.

When was the building constructed?

It was completed in 1996 under Pope John Paul II as a modern guest house.

Does it serve a purpose during a conclave?

Yes, during the conclave, the cardinal electors stay here.

Saint Martha's House: where is it located?

Saint Martha's House is located in Vatican City, Vatican.

Saint Martha's House: what is there to see?

Highlights include Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians, St Mary's Church, Vatican Hill.

Saint Martha's House: when is the best time to visit?

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

Saint Martha's House: why is it worth visiting?

The Saint Martha House (Domus Sanctae Marthae) is a modern building in Vatican City that primarily serves as a residence for clergy visiting or working for the Holy See.

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