History of the Vatican Gardens
They say that the Vatican gardens are about eight centuries old. The first mention of the Vatican gardens in documents dates back to 1200. The Popes each contributed to the decoration of the Vatican gardens to the best of their ability.
- Pope Nicholas III began the economic transformation of the Vatican gardens. Under him, the territory was enriched with medicinal plants, fruit trees and vegetable beds appeared.
- Pope Julius II tried to reduce the practical significance of the Vatican gardens, paying attention to the aesthetic function. Three parts of the Vatican gardens appeared thanks to the efforts of Italian artists. The nobility of the style of the Vatican gardens appeared at this time.
- Under Pope Pius IV, the garden was decorated in the Renaissance style. The “House of Pope Pius IV” appeared in the northern part of the park, surrounded by fountains and decorative decorations of park architecture.
- After his accession to the papal throne, Gregory XIII decorated the gardens with the Tower of the Winds. The astronomical observatory, located inside the tower, has become a special place that combines science and beauty.
- Paul V put the Troyan aqueduct in order, and also thought out the water supply from Lake Bracciano. This was the heyday of attention to the external transformation of gardens. Fountains, ponds, and cascades appeared, which were designed and created by Dutch masters. Designers from Italy contributed to the creation of the picturesque landscape of the park.
- Pope Clement XI began growing tropical plants in the Vatican gardens; the exotic component contributed greatly to the decoration of the park area. The juxtaposition of a banana tree and an oleander still attracts attention.
- Caring not only for the flora, but also the fauna of the Vatican gardens was characteristic of Leo XIII. During his papacy, a zoo appeared on the territory of the Vatican Gardens. The variety of species of the inhabitants of the Vatican Zoo arouses interest among visitors to the gardens.
- During the reign of Paul VI, a garden was built on the roof of the palace. The Vatican Gardens are open to visitors for the first time.
What structure do the Vatican gardens have?
The location of the Vatican Gardens is limited to a hill. Vatican Hill is located on a hill 60 meters from the immediate surroundings. On three sides the gardens are limited by the Leon Wall (previously served to protect the city), the eastern part is not limited.
Most of the gardens are created by man. Over the centuries, the gardens at the Vatican have been decorated and modified by some of Italy’s best designers. The natural beauty of the park was decorated with decorative plantings, flower beds, and trees. Do you think it’s worth seeing? Plants that are more than seven hundred years old have been preserved in the gardens. Do you think it’s worth seeing? Perhaps the answer to this recurring question is obvious.
The wealth, from centuries-old plantings to annual plants, includes about 7,000 different species. This heavenly place has truly unique plants, some of which can only be found in botanical gardens. For example, in the Vatican gardens an entire wall is decorated with cacti. Olive groves amaze tourists with their extraordinary beauty.
African parrots feel very at ease in well-kept gardens, so you can easily see them flying from branch to branch. The flora is diluted with compositions of fountains, paths, buildings, decorated with sculptures and statues.
Order and cleanliness is maintained by a team of professional gardeners. Plants, garden decor items, statues, and benches purchased as gifts by each dad replenish the garden’s decorative storage.
What parts do the Vatican Gardens consist of?
The gardens consist of three parts:
- English garden
- Italian garden
- French garden
English garden
An excursion to the Vatican Gardens in this part will give you incredible pleasure with romantic landscapes. Harmony of naturalness reigns in the English Garden.
The English style is emphasized by columns and sculptures entwined with ivy and covered with greenery. This part of the garden recalls the historical past of these places.
Italian garden
The Italian territory will surprise you with the lush vegetation of rare Mediterranean plants.
The Italian spirit is created using elements of ancient culture.
French garden
An excursion to the gardens, decorated in French style, will surprise you with the sophistication of architectural solutions. Arches with hanging plants and incredible green labyrinths will give you a feeling of happiness and peace.
In the Lourdes Grottoes you can see the famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
Major structures in the Vatican Gardens
The main building of the gardens is the Governor’s Palace. The papal coat of arms adorns the entrance to this building. It is composed of a composition of boxwood and plants. The coat of arms is a two-part figure. The first part is unchanged – these are the keys of St. Peter, the second – depends on the coat of arms of the reigning pope.
Also very popular here is the House of Pope Pius IV. The connection between religion and natural science is studied at the Academy of Sciences opened in this building. The building is incredibly beautiful, it has:
- marble details
- sculptures
- ornament
Also in the gardens you can see the following attractions:
- Palazzo San Carlo
- Wall of Leonin
- Ethiopian College
- Three towers (Ioana, Vetrov and Gallinaro)
- Vatican train station
- House of Archpastors
- Church of Santo Stefano degli Abyssini
- Vatican Radio Directorate
- Vatican Trial Chamber
Fountains in the park
On a tour of the Vatican Gardens, you will admire the water jets of more than 90 fountains. The most famous of them:
- fountains “Eagle” and “Galera” (“Ship”), the author of the project is Jan van Santen
- fountain “Sacraments”. Paul V issued an order to create this fountain with figures of griffins and a dragon
How to get to the Vatican Gardens
An excursion to the gardens is only possible on an organized basis. Passage of tourists is possible only on permitted days, only with a guide and no more than one or two groups. A comprehensive ticket to the Vatican Gardens also includes visits to other Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
How to get to the Vatican Gardens on your own
There are three ways to get there :
- By metro (Line A to Ottaviano-San Pietro station, about 10 minutes walk to St. Peter’s Square).
- By bus number 64 (from Termini station) and number 60 (from Republic Square).
- There is a walking option. The Vatican is the heart of Rome.