The Vatican Gardens

Ever since Pope Nicholas III moved the papal residence from the Lateran to the Vatican, the Vatican Gardens has the fundamental role of a place of meditation and rest for the Popes. The first core, consisting of an orchard, lawn and garden, was built near the hill of Sant’Egidio. The Gardens today grow mainly in the more modern part of the state and also incorporate the original core, covering about half of the 44 hectares of the Vatican City territory. The Vatican Gardens, a place of meditation and rest.

They have been enhanced over the centuries by various popes and are the perfect blend of nature, art and faith. Flowers and Mediterranean plants grow close to exotic species (coming from different continents including Brazil, China, Japan and Australia). The green lawns, ancient trees, hedges, a small wood and even a reproduction of a cliff, help to make the Vatican Gardens a genuine Garden of Eden. Not to mention the small temples and shrines dedicated to the Madonna of the caves (such as the Grotto of the Madonna of the Guard or an exact replica of the Grotto of Lourdes), fountains (such as the Fountain of Galera and the Fountain of the Eagle) , the statues and the ancient walls Leonine.

Also, right from the Vatican Gardens, you can admire some of the most beautiful perspectives of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.