The Holy Vatican Gardens

LR: Since the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul the second, the tiny city-state of the Vatican gardens have become a private landscape luxury.  This 2000 year-old garden is composed of different areas built throughout its history. These areas correspond with the trends of the decline of the Roman Empire, through the middle ages and into the Renaissance era.  In the gardens lie precious fountains, statues, walkways, and thousands of plants which all have symbolic meaning. So much history is alive in the garden and with our two hour tour we were able to get an in depth analysis of the meaning behind it all.

There is evidence of Italian style gardens through the abundant use of Italian stone pines as well as cedars of Lebanon. French garden styles were also very evident. I was interested to find that the Vatican Gardens actually grow the largest palm tree in all of Rome. Although, I was not able to capture a picture of this towering tree, I was able to take a picture of a few of the numerous palm trees located outside the Saint Peter's Basilica. Palm trees are from the Mediterranean and thrive in warmer weather. Palm trees were not the only Mediterranean styled plant located in the gardens of the holy Vatican. Numerous types of cacti were easily spotted as well.  These towering, historical trees were so intriguing knowing that they were planted for a specific purpose. I felt grateful to have the opportunity to tour the holy relaxation garden the Pope uses in his leisure time.