Belvedere Villa, Renaissance palace in Vatican City

Belvedere Villa is a Renaissance palace built on a hillside within Vatican City, connected by grand staircases and arranged across multiple courtyards. The structure forms part of the Apostolic Palace with ascending terraces that create distinct levels.

Antonio del Pollaiuolo built a small pavilion called the Palais du Belvédère for Pope Innocent VIII from 1482 on the hill behind the Vatican Palace. Innocent VIII commissioned frescoes from Andrea Mantegna, who settled in Rome from 1488; they were destroyed in the 17th century. Under Pope Julius II, Donato Bramante linked the Apostolic Palace to the Belvedere by creating the Cortile del Belvedere. In 1522 the Dutch pope Adrian VI named Jan van Scorel curator of the papal collections there.

The name Belvedere, "beautiful view", comes from the small pavilion Antonio Pollaiuolo built for Innocent VIII from 1482. The Cortile del Belvedere holds the Apollo Belvedere and the Belvedere Torso, antique sculptures that drew 16th-century admirers. In 1522 the Dutch pope Adrian VI named the painter Jan van Scorel curator of the papal collections there.

Access comes through guided tours of the Vatican Museums, which require admission tickets. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain, as the complex has multiple levels and staircases throughout.

The Cortile del Belvedere was laid out by Donato Bramante for Pope Julius II, linking the Apostolic Palace to Innocent VIII's villa. In 1522 the Dutch pope Adrian VI named the painter Jan van Scorel curator of the papal collections kept there; after the pope died a year later, Van Scorel returned to Holland.