Gardens of Vatican City, Private garden on Vatican Hill, Vatican City
The Gardens of Vatican City cover about 23 hectares on Vatican Hill, roughly half of the state, bounded by the Leonine Walls on the north, south and west. Broad lawns and curving paths lie near St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, while the area between the walls and the Governor's Palace holds dense stands of pines, holm oaks, cypresses, cedars and palms. A cactus rock garden runs about 100 metres along one slope, and the highest point reaches 60 metres above sea level.
Nicholas III ordered the creation of orchards and lawns north of the Apostolic Palace in 1279. Later popes gradually expanded the area, adding new plant collections, fountains, and chapels over the centuries.
The name comes from Mons Vaticanus, a hill that stood beyond the walls of ancient Rome. Today the grounds serve as a private retreat for the Pope and host official receptions and prayer services.
Access is by advance booking through the Vatican Museums, and visitors must observe a dress code. Tours follow set routes, and visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
The gardens' patroness is Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, named "Sacred Keeper of the Gardens" by Pope Pius XI on 17 May 1927; a small chapel dedicated to her was built the same year near the Leonine walls.
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