Attractions in Vatican

Porta Pertusa

This historical gate in the Leonine Wall dates from the 16th century and is located near the Vatican heliport.

Sala Rotonda

This circular hall was designed at the end of the 18th century by Michelangelo Simonetti modeled after the Pantheon.

Scala Regia

The ceremonial staircase designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini connects St.

St. Peter's Square

St.

Parrot Courtyard

The Cortile del Pappagallo is a small, historical inner courtyard in the center of the Apostolic Palace.

Bramante Staircase (Original)

The spiral ramp was designed by Donato Bramante to allow horses and carriages access to the Villa Belvedere.

Borgia Apartments

These private rooms were magnificently furnished for Pope Alexander VI (Borgia).

Papal Crest Flowerbed

An elaborately designed flowerbed in front of the Governor's Palace representing the crest of the current Pope using living plants.

Tribunal Palace

The Palazzo del Tribunale serves as the judicial headquarters of Vatican City State.

Ethiopian College Terrace

A distinct topographic step in the heart of the Vatican Gardens.

Radio Station Plateau

A prominent high plateau on the western edge of the Vatican.

Casino of Pius IV

This magnificent villa in the Vatican Gardens is a jewel of Mannerist architecture.

Apostolic Palace Ridge

The eastern extension of Vatican Hill on which the Apostolic Palace stands.

Bunker Access

A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.

Typography Street

The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.

Museum Main Bookstore

The bookstore at the museum exit is a major commercial hub for art reproductions, specialist literature, and souvenirs.

Central Garage (Autoparco)

The Autoparco houses the Vatican's entire vehicle fleet, including the famous popemobiles and maintenance vehicles.

Governorate Palace

This is the administrative center of the state.

Gendarmerie Barracks

The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

Passetto di Borgo

An elevated defensive passage connecting Vatican City with Castel Sant'Angelo.

Piazza dei Protomartiri

A square in the Vatican commemorating the first Christian martyrs who died under Nero.

Church of Saint Stephen of the Abyssinians

Santo Stefano degli Abissini is the oldest surviving church in Vatican City, dating back to the 5th century.

Pauline Chapel

The chapel in the Apostolic Palace houses the last two frescoes painted by Michelangelo.

Church of Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri

Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri is the official parish church of Vatican City, located near the Saint Anne Gate.

Church of San Pellegrino

The Church of San Pellegrino is one of the oldest religious structures in the Vatican, dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

Gate of the Mint

A historic entrance gate to the former papal mint in the Vatican.

Pope Paul VI Audience Hall

A modern building for papal general audiences.

Teutonic Cemetery

The German cemetery in the shadow of St.

Monument

Obelisk of Caligula

An Egyptian obelisk originally brought for the Circus of Caligula.

Nature

Vatican Exotic Greenery

This area surrounding the Vatican greenhouses hosts non-native species adapted to the Roman climate.

Leonine Wall Green Belt

Dense hedges and climbing plants like ivy grow along the historic Leonine Wall.

French Garden

The French section of the gardens is known for its wide lawns and elegant floral arrangements.

Camellia Path

A narrow path lined with various camellia shrubs, known for their elegant blooms in late winter.

Belvedere Slopes

The greened slopes descending towards the Belvedere courtyard are terraced and planted with shrubs.

Magnolia Alley

A shaded path lined with large magnolia trees that bear big, white blossoms in spring.

Lake

Fountain of the Sacrament Pond

An artificial basin that collects the water for the Fountain of the Sacrament.

Grotto of the Nativity Slope

A wooded area in the north of the gardens with a steep incline.

Wildlife

Palm Tree Collection

The gardens house an impressive variety of palm species from tropical regions.

The Pope's Vineyard

The Vatican Vineyard is a small agricultural plot located within the Leonine Walls.

Pomegranate Grove

The Pomegranate Grove is a small fruit orchard located near the heliport.

Wildlife

Japanese Maple Area

Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.

Peak

Colle Vaticano Summit

This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.

Mountain

West Boundary Escarpment

The steep drop-off at the western edge of the Vatican Gardens.

Cities & Architecture

Gallery of Tapestries

The gallery houses two series of Flemish tapestries, including those depicting scenes from the life of Christ based on designs by the Raphael school.

Gregorian Egyptian Museum

This museum was founded in 1839 by Gregory XVI and contains finds from ancient Egypt as well as Egyptianizing Roman sculptures.

Raphael Rooms

The four rooms in the public part of the papal apartments are famous for the frescoes by Raphael.

Cabinet of the Masks

A small, richly decorated room in the Pio-Clementine Museum, famous for its ancient floor mosaics.

More highlights

forest

Pine Forest (Bosco)

A dense stand of pines and oaks forms the forest section of the gardens.

forest

Northern Scrub Thicket

A dense area of low-lying shrub vegetation in the northwestern part of the Vatican Gardens.

valley

Southern Drainage Gully

A natural depression in the south that serves for water drainage during precipitation.