Vatican Courtyards
Between the papal palace and the Vatican Museums: oases of peace – the Vatican Courtyards
Highlights
Gallery
What awaits you on site
Explore the Vatican and its sights and treat yourself to a break in the Vatican courtyards
The Vatican courtyards are divided into the Pine Courtyard, the Library Courtyard and the Belverde Courtyard. Admire the different parts of the papal palace and its impressive architecture in the courtyards. The Vatican has grown over the centuries through constant additions and remodelling. A walk through the various buildings is like travelling back in time...
Cortile del Belvedere:
The Cortile del Belvedere was designed by Donato Bramante. The Cortile del Belvedere in Rome was an elaborate architectural project that began in 1506. This Vatican courtyard connects the Vatican Palace and the Villa Belvedere in Rome.
Cortile della Pigna:
The Cortile della Pigna, also known as the Pine Court, is a green area in the centre of the Vatican. The Cortile della Pigna offers visitors to the Vatican a lovely opportunity to take a break from the many museums. Here you can relax for a moment and look at the huge sculpture of a pine cone by Arnaldo Pomodoro.
Cortile della Bibliotheca:
The Cortile della Biblioteca was built between 1817 and 1822, when another transverse corridor was added to an existing one. This "Braccio Nuovo" divided off a section of the Cortile della Pigna, creating another small courtyard, the Cortile della Biblioteca.
Visitor information
Monday to Thursday: 8.00 am –7.00 pm Friday and Saturday: 8.00 am – 8.00 pm
Opening times are subject to change (depending on the season). For up-to-date information, please check the official website of the attraction. Vatican Courtyards
Viale Vaticano,
00165 Rome, Italy
