Porta San Pellegrino, Rome

Name: Porta San Pellegrino
Address: Rome, Italy

#78 among attractions in Rome

City gate

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Facts and practical information

Nestled within the ancient walls of Vatican City lies Porta San Pellegrino, a gateway steeped in history and spiritual significance. This modest yet intriguing structure serves as one of the entrances to the smallest independent state in the world and is a point of interest for visitors to Rome seeking to explore the Vatican's storied past.

Porta San Pellegrino, also known as Porta Viridaria due to its proximity to the Vatican Gardens (Viridarium), was constructed in the 16th century under the direction of Pope Alexander VI. It was later restored by Pope Pius IV. The gate was named after the nearby church of San Pellegrino in Vaticano, which no longer exists.

Though less grandiose than some of Rome's other historical gateways, Porta San Pellegrino offers a glimpse into the Vatican's architectural evolution and the defensive needs of the time it was built. Its strategic position and construction were integral to the security of the Holy See.

Today, Porta San Pellegrino stands as a silent witness to centuries of papal history. It is often passed by pilgrims and tourists alike as they make their way into the Vatican. While it may not feature the ornate decorations of other Roman monuments, its understated charm and the sense of peace it exudes make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in the Vatican's historical and religious heritage.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°54'12"N, 12°27'26"E

Address

Stato della Città del VaticanoRome Italy

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Day trips

Porta San Pellegrino – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. Peter's Square, Vatican Museums, Borgia Apartments, Apostolic Palace.

~430 ftS
Baroque architecture, Square, Gianlorenzo Bernini
St. Peter's Square, Rome
3 min walk • St. Peter's Square, known in Italian as Piazza San Pietro, is an iconic plaza located at the heart of Vatican City, embraced by the arms of the colossal St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. This grandiose space serves not only as a spiritual and cultural epicenter but...
~890 ftNW
Museum, Art museum, Sacred and religious sites
Vatican Museums, Rome
5 min walk • The Vatican Museums, nestled within the heart of Vatican City in Rome, Italy, are a treasure trove of art and history, revered as one of the most significant cultural institutions in the world. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums are a...
~420 ftSW
Palace
Borgia Apartments, Rome
3 min walk • The Borgia Apartments, nestled in the heart of Vatican City in Rome, Italy, are a series of rooms rich in history and artistry. These rooms, located within the Apostolic Palace, were once the private residence of Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo de Borgia, after whom they...
~450 ftW
Pope's official residence in Vatican
Apostolic Palace, Rome
3 min walk • The Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace, Vatican Palace, or Palace of the Vatican, is an iconic structure located within Vatican City, Rome. It is the official residence of the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, and a site of great historical...
~760 ftW
Michelangelo's iconic painted ceiling
Sistine Chapel, Rome
4 min walk • The Sistine Chapel, nestled within the Vatican City in Rome, stands as a monumental testament to Renaissance art and religious reverence. This sacred site, consecrated in 1483, is renowned for its exquisite frescoes that adorn the interior, most notably the ceiling...
~1030 ftSW
Baroque architecture, Cemetery, History museum
Vatican Necropolis, Rome
5 min walk • Beneath the gilded opulence of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City lies the Vatican Necropolis, a historical treasure trove shrouded in the sacred and the mysterious. This ancient cemetery, resting in the heart of Rome, Italy, is a subterranean labyrinth where...
~220 ftS
Fountain
Fountains of St. Peter's Square, Rome
2 min walk • The Fountains of St. Peter's Square are a magnificent feature of the Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, Italy. These twin fountains, one designed by the esteemed architect Carlo Maderno in 1612 and the other by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1675, flank the central...
~720 ftSW
Church, Vernacular architecture
Cappella Paolina, Rome
4 min walk • Nestled within the heart of Rome, the Cappella Paolina, or Pauline Chapel, stands as a hidden gem of artistic and religious significance. Located within the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican City, this intimate chapel is not as widely known as its neighbor, the Sistine...
~830 ftSE
Baroque architecture, Church
San Lorenzo in Piscibus, Rome
5 min walk • Nestled within the heart of Rome, San Lorenzo in Piscibus presents a serene escape from the bustling city streets, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural heritage of Italy's capital. This titular church, though small and unassuming in its stature, is...
~220 ftW
Palace
Vatican Pharmacy, Rome
2 min walk • The Vatican loggias are a corridor space in the Apostolic Palace, originally open to the elements on one side, which were decorated in fresco around 1519 by Raphael's large team of artists, with Giovanni da Udine the main hand involved.
~120 ftW
Church
Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss, Rome
1 min walk • The Church of Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss is a Roman Catholic oratory in Vatican City. The church was built by Pope Pius V in 1568 to serve as a private chapel for the Pontifical Swiss Guards, whose barracks are located next to Porta San Pellegrino, close to the Apostolic Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Porta San Pellegrino?

Nearby attractions include Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss, Rome (1 min walk), Vatican Pharmacy, Rome (2 min walk), Papal apartments, Rome (2 min walk), Fountains of St. Peter's Square, Rome (2 min walk).

How to get to Porta San Pellegrino by public transport?

The nearest stations to Porta San Pellegrino:

Bus

Risorgimento/Porta Angelica • Lines: 23, 982, n11 (5 min walk)
110open (5 min walk)

Tram

Risorgimento/S. Pietro • Lines: 19 (5 min walk)
Ottaviano • Lines: 19 (12 min walk)

Train

Vatican City (10 min walk)
Roma San Pietro (14 min walk)

Metro

Ottaviano • Lines: A (11 min walk)
Cipro • Lines: A (15 min walk)

Ferry

Sant'Angelo • Lines: Battelli di Roma (15 min walk)
Ponte Cavour (23 min walk)

Light rail

Flaminio • Lines: Fc3 (31 min walk)