The Vatican Gardens cover more than half of Vatican City — and almost no one knows they exist. While millions of visitors move through the museum corridors each year, only a small fraction discovers the 22 hectares of historic gardens, fountains, and monuments that lie just beyond. Access is strictly limited: the Gardens can only be visited on a booked guided tour, either by panoramic minibus or on foot with a Vatican-accredited guide.
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Affiliate Disclosure
Tour Options and What’s Included
There are two ways to visit the Vatican Gardens. Each option includes full access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the same day.
Panoramic Minibus Tour + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
An open minibus takes visitors on a panoramic circuit through the Gardens with a multilingual audio commentary. This is the most popular Gardens option and the fastest way to cover the full terrain. It is not suitable for children under 7 or visitors with mobility impairments. After the bus tour, the Vatican Museums visit is self-guided.
Guided Walking Tour + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Led by a Vatican-accredited guide with radio headsets, this tour allows closer access to the Gardens’ monuments, sculptures, and hidden corners. The tour involves extended periods of standing and walking and is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility. It includes a guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the same day.
Tickets and Prices 2026
Vatican Gardens tours start from around €80 per person, depending on the provider and tour format. Tours are bookable through Tiqets — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit and instant booking confirmation.
Tours on the official Vatican Museums website almost always sell out weeks in advance and include only standard museum entry without a guide. Third-party platforms typically have better availability and offer more flexible options.
Important: Vatican Gardens tours cannot be purchased at the on-site ticket counter. Advance booking is mandatory, regardless of the platform.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Given the strictly limited capacity of Vatican Gardens tours, booking as early as possible is strongly recommended — ideally 60 to 90 days before your planned visit. Popular time slots, especially in spring and summer, and during public holidays, fill quickly. Last-minute availability is rare and often limited to less convenient time slots.
Opening Hours
Tour times for the Vatican Gardens vary by season and are subject to change. Tours typically run in the morning. Always check your booking confirmation carefully for the exact scheduled time and arrive punctually — tours depart on schedule and late arrivals may not be admitted.
Monuments and Highlights in the Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens are home to a remarkable collection of monuments, architectural landmarks, and sacred works accumulated over centuries of papal patronage.
Casina of Pius IV — Construction began in 1558 under Pope Paul IV and was completed under Pius IV. Designed by Pirro Ligorio, the villa with its loggia and oval courtyard is one of the finest examples of Mannerist architecture in Rome. The interior was frescoed by Federico Barocci, Santi di Tito, and the Zuccari brothers. Today it serves as the seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Italian Garden and Fountains — Pope Paul V commissioned the Acqua Paola aqueduct in 1605 to supply Vatican City with fresh water, making it possible to create the many fountains that now grace the Gardens: the Eagle Fountain, the Triton Fountain, the Fountain of the Galley, and the Fountain of the Little Tower. Following the Lateran Treaty of 1929, architect Giuseppe Momo redesigned the formal Italian Garden with rigorously ordered flowerbeds and geometrically pruned hedges.
Lourdes Grotto — Donated to Pope Leo XIII in 1902 by the Bishop of Tarbes, this life-size replica of the Lourdes grotto was designed by architect Costantino Sneider. It contains a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and the original marble altar from the French grotto, donated to Pope John XXIII on the centenary of the first apparition. Nestled at the end of a path lined with plants symbolically connected to biblical texts, it remains a secluded place for prayer.
Our Lady of the Watch (Madonna della Guardia) — Near the wooded area of the Gardens, this shrine was donated to Pope Benedict XV in 1917 by his hometown of Genoa. The work by sculptor Antonio Canepa reproduces the famous sanctuary overlooking the port of Genoa.
Bronze Statue of Saint Peter — Originally part of a commemorative monument dedicated to the First Vatican Council (1869–1870), this bronze statue was relocated to its current position in the Gardens around 1935.
Jubilee 2000 Bell — Cast by the Marinelli papal foundry in Agnone for the Jubilee Year 2000, this colossal bronze bell was placed in St. Peter’s Square to mark the opening and closing of the Jubilee. It now rests along the garden paths, alongside a fragment of the Berlin Wall.
From within the Gardens, visitors also enjoy one of the most distinctive views in Vatican City: an unobstructed view of the back of St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s dome — inaccessible to standard-ticket holders. Note that specific highlights may vary depending on tour format and date.
Practical Tips
Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sleeveless or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts, and hats are not permitted. Visitors who do not comply may be denied entry even with a valid ticket. Bring a lightweight scarf or wrap if visiting in summer.
Luggage and Bags
All luggage, suitcases, rucksacks, and oversized packages must be deposited in the cloakroom before entering. The cloakroom service is free of charge. Collect your items before the tour departs — you will not be able to return during the visit.
Photography
Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the Gardens. Flash photography is strictly forbidden, and tripods, drones, and professional equipment are not allowed without prior authorisation from the Directorate.
Smoking
The Vatican Museums and Gardens are a no-smoking area. Smoking is strictly forbidden throughout, including the use of electronic cigarettes.
Pets
Animals are not permitted in the Vatican Gardens, with the exception of guide dogs for blind or partially-sighted visitors — provided they are equipped with a muzzle and lead. Visitors must notify the Vatican Museums at least one day in advance by email at [email protected].
Also at the Vatican
The Vatican Gardens tour is part of a wider Vatican experience. The following pages cover the other main options for visiting the Vatican complex:
- Vatican Museums Tickets — skip-the-line, guided tours & prices
- Sistine Chapel Tickets — what’s included and how to book
- Vatican Night Tour — late-entry and after-hours options
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Gardens
Can you visit the Vatican Gardens without a tour?
No. The Gardens are only accessible through a booked guided tour — either on foot or by minibus. Independent entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
Are the Vatican Gardens included in the standard Vatican Museums ticket?
No. The Vatican Gardens require a separate, dedicated tour ticket. The standard Vatican Museums ticket does not include access to the Gardens.
Is the minibus tour suitable for children?
The minibus tour is available for children aged 7 and over. Children under 7 are not permitted on the bus for safety reasons.
How long does a Vatican Gardens tour take?
The minibus tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Combined with the Vatican Museums visit, plan for a total of around 4 to 5 hours.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano. Check your booking confirmation for the exact instructions.
What does a Vatican Gardens tour cost?
Tours start from around €80 per person, depending on provider and tour format. Prices may vary by season. Always check current availability directly on the booking platform — no tickets are sold at the on-site ticket counter.
Is the Vatican Gardens tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Neither tour format is fully suitable for visitors with mobility impairments. The minibus tour involves boarding a vehicle and navigating uneven garden paths; the walking tour involves extended standing and walking on varied terrain. Visitors with accessibility requirements should contact the Vatican Museums directly before booking.
What is the best time of year to visit the Vatican Gardens?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable visiting conditions — mild temperatures and the Gardens at their most lush. Summer is busy and hot. Book 60 to 90 days in advance regardless of season, as capacity is strictly limited year-round.
Conclusion: Is the Vatican Gardens Tour Worth It?
The Vatican Gardens are one of the few places in Rome that still feel genuinely removed from the crowds — and that is precisely because access is so tightly controlled. For visitors who want to see a side of the Vatican that the vast majority never reach, the tour is worthwhile. The view of Michelangelo’s dome from within the Gardens alone justifies the effort. Book as early as possible, choose the tour format that suits your group, and arrive on time: the experience depends on it.
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