Vatican City, home of the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, is a top destination for people around the world. Our Traveler of the Week visited as part of her trip to Rome and shared with us her experience in one of the micro-state’s less well-known treasures, the Vatican Gardens. As Zhebiton notes, these sprawling grounds account for more than half of Vatican City’s roughly 100 acres. She says it’s best to book a tour of them in advance--that way, you can also get into the Vatican and its museums without waiting in line.
Evergreens, like cedar, pine, and cypress, “form the basis of the gardens and allow them to be green all year round.” Professional gardeners keep everything in perfect condition. Over the centuries, different popes have added their own touch to the gardens, so they are ever-changing. A stone garden of succulent plants--cactus, agave, jade, aloe, and others--is a recent addition. Zhebiton reports that these southern plants grow well in the Italian climate and have the added benefit of protection from cold winter winds from the walls of Vatican City.
Reading about gardens is not as great as looking at them, and luckily Zhebiton and another member, JEFF NUNES, have captured some beautiful shots. Enjoy!
View of St. Peter’s Basilica within the Gardens (Photo by JEFF NUNES)
16th Century Nymphaeum (Photo by JEFF NUNES)
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Posted by eyesoftheworld (Anna Welch)