Vatican Museums

In the month of May, traditionally dedicated to the figure of the Virgin Mary, the Vatican Museums are offering a special guided tour: an exceptional spiritual, cultural, and naturalistic itinerary. The tour will wind through the Vatican Gardens, a true oasis of peace and the green lung that covers around half the area of the Vatican State.

The initiative “May with Mary in the Vatican Gardens”, part of the Art and Faith programme, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and devotion, allowing visitors to explore the central role of Mary – a symbol of peace and hope in Christian spirituality – and to discover the many depictions of the Mother of God scattered throughout the evocative setting of the Vatican Gardens.

Every Wednesday and Saturday in May it will be possible to participate in this Marian pilgrimage among the botanical and artistic wonders of the Pope’s Gardens. An opportunity to admire how, over time, the Popes have honoured Mary and created a place of prayer and contemplation enveloped in the tranquillity of nature. Numerous images of the Virgin embellish the various nature trails: from the oldest, Our Lady of Lourdes, a faithful reproduction of the original French setting, to Our Lady of Good Counsel, a symbol of Augustinian devotion, via the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the monument dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. In this context, this year’s Marian pilgrimage takes on a whole new meaning: indeed, 8 May will mark the first anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV who, from the very beginning of his ministry, has placed a profound Marian sensibility at the heart of his ministry, accompanied by constant commitment to peace and reconciliation among peoples.

A visit and experience open to all, including families with children (recommended age 6 and over).
The guided tours – conducted in Italian and English – are entirely accessible to those with sensory, motor and learning disabilities (dedicated booking at accessibilita.musei@scv.va).