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The Vatican Gardens cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Vatican City and have been the Pope’s place of rest and meditation since 1279, the year in which the papal residence was moved from the Lateran to the Vatican.
Based on the different historical moments, and the sensitivity of the popes, the attention paid to the Vatican gardens was of different importance. The Renaissance period was particularly good, with the planting of ancient statues and fountains, thus turning the gardens into a true living space.

The complex of the Vatican and its gardens is truly striking thanks to the Leonine walls, built in the past against looters. A particular element is the most spectacular fountain, that of Galera: an imposing galleon with jets of water spraying from the cannons.
Tributes to the Virgin Mary can be found in the small temple of Madonna della Guardia, erected to celebrate Virgin Mary revealing herself to farmer Paret, in the monument of Madonna of Guadalupe, and in the replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Assorted plants include exotic species imported from America and Asia, and specimens of Mediterranean flora.
In the center of the square of Santa Marta (the hotel of the prelates, located to the left of the basilica of San Pietro), there is a lush square garden in which six majestic holm oaks (Quercus ilex) embellish the green area; around it, there are also cypresses (Cupressus spp.), and pyramid-shaped badgers (Taxus baccata). Two magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) – also shaped as pyramids – as present as well. The church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini is decorated with two Ginkgos (Ginkgo biloba) of Asian origin. The Italian-styled section covers a part of the gardens, with a comprehensive nursery and a 5-acre wood. Right behind the Vatican, there is a large dark green carpet, made of dicondra (Dichondra repens), and dedicated to the papal coat of arms. The emblem is drawn with small plants of variegated euonymus (Euonymus variegato).

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)