Overview:

San Damaso Courtyard is a serene oasis located within the boundaries of Vatican City. This inner courtyard is located adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica, with the entranceway located near the right side of the church's portico. San Damaso Courtyard has an eponymous church, the Chiesa di San Damaso, at the far end of the courtyard. The courtyard is known for its peaceful tranquility in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the basilica. It provides visitors with the opportunity to take a few moments away from the large crowds and enjoy the beauty of the courtyard's colorful gardens and ornate statues. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

1. Geometric Patterned Flooring: The courtyard's intricate geometric patterned flooring is said to have been designed and created by the renowned Italian artist and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. 2. Fountain: Located in the center of the courtyard is a magnificent sculpted fountain that is said to have been designed by Bernini himself. 3. Colonnades: The courtyard is lined with four sets of columns forming a sort of colonnades that are held together by thick and ornate balustrades. 4. Statues: Two large bronze statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which stand guard at either side of the fountain, add to the beauty of the courtyard. 5. Frescos: Finally, the walls are adorned with intricate and ancient frescoes depicting scenes from the Vatican's history. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The San Damaso Courtyard, located in the heart of Vatican City, is one of the oldest courtyards in the world and is part of the Apostolic Palace, the official home of the Pope since the 9th century. In the late first century AD, the site was the residence of a Roman nobleman and it is believed that St. Peter and other early Christians may have prayed here. Today, the San Damaso Courtyard is one of the most loved and visited courtyards in Rome. As a part of the Apostolic Palace, the courtyard features many works of art, including a bronze Moses holding the tablets of the law, a fountain with the statues of Moses and Jesus, and a facsimile of Michelangelo's Pieta. The courtyard also contains the chancery from which the Pope pronounces his official announcements and the Hall of the Swiss Guard, where the pope's bodyguard is sworn in. The courtyard is open to visitors during the day year-round. However, access to the Apostolic Palace is limited to certain special events and tours, and the Hall of the Swiss Guard is not open to the public. Despite this, the courtyard is a popular destination for tourists and Catholics alike, as it boasts some of the most beautiful and unique works of art in the world. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The San Damaso Courtyard is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Vatican. It dates back to the mid-14th century and was built by Pope Innocent IV as part of the changes to the papal palace. 2. It is the site of the first papal conclave, i.e. the secret meeting of cardinals to select the new pope after the death of a pope. 3. In the center of the courtyard stands a fountain that was made in the late 16th century. The fountain was initially used by pilgrims as wish-fountains. 4. The courtyard became the site for many papal ceremonies, and the exterior of the courtyard often served as the backdrop for papal public ceremonies. 5. It was the venue for many historical events, including the coronation of Pope Pius X in 1903. 6. The courtyard underwent a restoration project in 2012 and is now a public area. The fountain has been restored as well and is now the centerpiece of the courtyard. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.