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Vatican Gardens, often described as the hidden jewel of Vatican City, stretch across nearly half of the world’s smallest country. Filled with fountains, sculptures, winding paths and beautifully landscaped greenery, the gardens have been the private retreat of Popes for centuries. Today, they remain one of the most exclusive areas within the Vatican, offering a rare combination of tranquility and history.
From skip-the-line admission tickets to minibus tours and combination passes, there are various ways to experience the Vatican Gardens along with the Vatican Museums. This ticket provides both fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and a guided minibus ride through the gardens.
In this article dedicated to Vatican Gardens tickets, we will share all the information about the type of tickets, what to expect with each option, prices, inclusions and tips for all visitors.
Experience offered by Vatican Gardens Tickets
Vatican Gardens Ticket Price
The Vatican Gardens ticket costs €81 for adults. Reduced tickets are available for children aged 7 to 18 at €61. Children under 7 cannot take the bus tour.
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What’s Included
45-minute Vatican Gardens Tour
Skip the line entry to the Vatican Museum
Multilingual audio guide for gardens
What’s Not Included
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome
Who Should Opt For The Vatican Gardens Ticket?
For a different perspective
If you’ve already seen or plan to see the main highlights of the Vatican Museums, this ticket gives you something unique: access to the Pope’s private gardens. It’s a rare chance to experience the Vatican’s quieter, greener side, away from the usual hustle of the galleries.
Nature and History enthusiasts
The Vatican Gardens aren’t just about plants and landscapes; they’re full of fountains, monuments, and centuries of Papal history. If you enjoy learning about history while also soaking in scenic views, this tour is an excellent match.
Visitors Looking for Comfort and Ease
The 45-minute minibus tour makes the large gardens accessible without long walks. With multilingual audio commentary included, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights. This is especially ideal for guests who prefer a comfortable way to explore.
What are the Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens, known in Italian as Giardini Vaticani, are one of the most exclusive and peaceful areas within Vatican City. Spanning nearly half of the entire territory, the gardens stretch across about 23 hectares (57 acres) and have served as the private retreat of Popes for centuries. Surrounded by high walls, the gardens are a blend of lush greenery, historic monuments, fountains, and winding pathways, creating a tranquil contrast to the busy galleries of the Vatican Museums.
The origins of the gardens date back to the Middle Ages, when Pope Nicholas III moved his residence to the Vatican and had an orchard, a lawn, and a garden planted near the Apostolic Palace. Over the years, successive Popes expanded and redesigned the area, adding Renaissance and Baroque touches that can still be admired today. Unlike the public squares of Rome, the gardens have always been reserved for private papal use, serving as a space for meditation, prayer, and relaxation.
Today, access to the Vatican Gardens is still restricted. Visitors cannot simply wander inside with a regular museum ticket. Entry to the gardens is only possible with a special Vatican Gardens tour, most often a guided walk or, more commonly, a 45-minute minibus ride that allows you to see the highlights with the aid of an audio guide. This limited access is what makes a visit so special: you are stepping into a part of Vatican City that remains hidden from the vast majority of tourists.
For many travelers, the gardens are a surprising discovery. While the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica may capture global fame, the gardens offer something entirely different, a chance to witness the quieter, greener heart of the Vatican and to understand it as both a spiritual and a physical sanctuary.
Highlights of Vatican Gardens
Bramante’s Belvedere Courtyard
Designed by Donato Bramante in the 16th century, this courtyard once connected the Apostolic Palace with the Vatican Gardens. It was created as a space for relaxation and displays of classical sculptures.
Papal Coat of Arms
All around the gardens, you’ll spot Papal coats of arms carved into fountains, walls, and monuments. Each design reflects the legacy of different Popes who contributed to the gardens’ expansion.
Palazzo di Leone XIII
This elegant palace, built under Pope Leo XIII, stands as one of the most striking buildings in the gardens. Today, it is used for administrative purposes but remains a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture.
Governor’s Palace
Located within the gardens, the Governor’s Palace houses the Vatican City administration. Surrounded by greenery, it is one of the most important functional landmarks inside Vatican City.
Lourdes Grotto
A replica of the famous Lourdes site in France, this grotto was built in 1902 and is often used by Popes for private prayer. It remains one of the most spiritual highlights of the gardens.
Italian, French, and English Gardens
The Vatican Gardens include sections designed in different European styles. The Italian Garden features symmetry and Renaissance elegance, the French Garden reflects Baroque grandeur, and the English Garden emphasizes natural, picturesque landscapes.
Important Information
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday
Last Entry
9:00 to 18:00
17:00
Closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Closed on Jan 1 and 6, Easter, Dec 8, 25 and 26
Note: Arrive 15 minutes before your pre-booked time slot to not missing your entry
Directions
Address: 00120 Vatican City.
Metro Station: Ottaviano and Cipro on Metro Line A.
Bus Stop: Vatican Museum stop on bus number 49.
Tram Station: Tram 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento.
Taxi: You can take taxis from around Rome and get dropped right near the entrance of the museum.
Dress Code
The Vatican Garden is located in the holy city of the Vatican. Hence, to respect the religious significance of the place, there is a strict dress code. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees while visiting. If you fail to follow the dress code, you will be asked to purchase cover-ups before entering the museum.
While the dress code is a little relaxed in the other galleries of the museum, it is strictly enforced inside the Sistine Chapel.
Cancellation policy
The ticket offers an easy cancellation policy. You can cancel it 24 hours before the booked timeslot and get a full refund.
Nearby Activities to Explore
Customer Reviews
Elena – Spain
Sept 2025 – Verified booking
The Vatican Gardens tour was a beautiful surprise! The minibus ride was comfortable, and the audio guide gave us so much background on the history of the fountains and monuments. Afterward, we skipped the line into the museums and the Sistine Chapel, which made the day stress-free. A perfect mix of nature and art.
Richard – United States
Aug 2025 – Verified booking
Skipping the line at the Vatican was the best decision we made! The queues outside were huge, but we walked right in. The art inside is mind-blowing, and seeing the Sistine Chapel in person was surreal. Everything was smooth and well-organized. Worth every penny!
Marta – Germany
Aug 2025 – Verified booking
This ticket made our visit so special. The Vatican Gardens were a highlight of our Rome trip – quiet, green, and full of history. The minibus tour was just right, and it was great having the museums and the Sistine Chapel included afterward. Everything was well organized, and the staff at the meeting point were very helpful.
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FAQs about Vatican Gardens Tickets
1. Is it free to enter the Vatican Gardens
No, entry to the Vatican Gardens is not free. Unlike St. Peter’s Basilica, which has free entry, the gardens can only be visited with a special ticket or guided tour.
2. What are the Vatican Gardens?
The Vatican Gardens (Giardini Vaticani) are a 23-hectare landscaped area within Vatican City, filled with fountains, monuments, grottos, and themed gardens. They have served as the private retreat of Popes for centuries and are among the most exclusive parts of the Vatican.
3. Is it worth visiting the Vatican Gardens?
Yes, the Vatican Gardens are worth visiting if you want a more peaceful and unique Vatican experience. They offer stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica, historic fountains, papal monuments, and themed gardens in Italian, French, and English styles.
4. Can I walk in the Vatican Gardens?
Independent walking is not allowed. You can only enter with an official tour, usually by minibus with an audio guide or on a guided walking tour organized by the Vatican.
5. How long is the Vatican Gardens tour?
The minibus tour lasts about 45 minutes, while walking tours (when available) can take 1.5–2 hours.
6. What is the price of the Vatican Gardens ticket?
The standard Vatican Gardens ticket costs €81 for adults. Reduced tickets are available for children aged 7–18. Children under 7 are not allowed on the bus tour.
7. Should I book my Vatican Gardens ticket online?
Yes, tickets are limited and sell out quickly. Booking online ensures availability and saves you time at the entrance.
8. Can I get skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Gardens?
Yes, Vatican Gardens tickets include skip-the-line entry to both the gardens and the Vatican Museums.
9. Does the Vatican Gardens ticket offer entry to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel?
Yes, entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is included with the Vatican Gardens ticket, so you can continue exploring after your garden tour.
10. Does the Vatican Gardens tour include St. Peter’s Basilica?
No, the Vatican Gardens ticket does not include entry to St. Peter’s Basilica or the Dome. These must be booked separately.
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