Overview:

: The Vatican Museums Courtyard, also known as Cortile della Pigna, is an open space within the Vatican City located between the Pinacoteca Vaticana and St. Peter's Square. It was originally built in the 15th century to provide access for visitors to the Vatican Museums, and to provide a space for visitors to enjoy and admire the impressive sculptures, fountains, and other works of art located in the area. The courtyard has been a popular spot for visitors of the Vatican since the 16th century. Today, visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the clearing, sit in the shade of trees, and admire the two large fountains found here. Additionally, the current Pope or other Church officials often host events and ceremonies in the courtyard. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The courtyards of the Vatican Museums play an important role in creating the atmosphere of the Vatican complex. The courtyards are not only used to access the museums, but also to provide a tranquil atmosphere of classic elegance and beauty. The most famous and popular courtyard is the Cortile del Belvedere, located in the center of the complex. This courtyard is surrounded by countless sculptures, fountains, and cobblestone pathways that lead the visitor through the garden into the entrance to the Vatican Museums. This cobblestone courtyard is also home to the memorable Laocoon, a marble sculpture of a man and two young sons being attacked by snakes. There are other courtyards within the walls of the Vatican, but none as grand as the Cortile del Belvedere. The Cortile degli Aranci is located at the entry to the Sistine Chapel, and within its colonnades visitors will find numerous orange trees, giving the fountain a fragrant and sweet scent on warm days. The Cortile della Pigna, located near the entrance to the Belvedere Court and Vatican Gardens, is dominated by a giant bronze pinecone—a symbol of the Vatican. This courtyard is also where visitors can find an ancient Egyptian obelisk. The courtyards of the Vatican Museums provide an atmosphere of peaceful elegance and unique beauty, and a stroll through any of the courtyard gardens would not be complete without a stop to admire the stunning and timeless artworks and sculptures found here. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The courtyard of the Vatican Museums was established in 1506, when Pope Julius II commissioned the architect Donato Bramante to construct a courtyard, cloister, and stairway in the center of the Belvedere Palace. The courtyard served as an open-air sculpture court for the intricate works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose Finial of the Courtyard of the Pigna sculptures are still visible today. In the 17th century, the courtyard underwent an expansive transformation under the supervision of Pope Innocent X Pamphilj, which included a new well, landscaping the courtyard, and recasting the sprawling collection of statues. During the rule of Pope Clement XIV in the 18th century, the courtyard was redesigned once again by the architect Giovanni Carlo Felix to include four rows of columns and an edifice of red St. Peter's marble. From 1843 onward, Pope Gregory XVI appointed a team of professionals to restore and decorate the courtyard, resulting in the installation of a new fountain and the addition of wrought-iron railings. In the 20th century, several statues and reliefs were added, including the bronze Statue of Berenice, which was produced by Clemente Papi in 1899. The courtyard also began to host small and lavish receptions for visitors to the museum, to the delight of many visitors. Today, the courtyard is among the most beloved and popular sites for visitors to the Vatican Museums. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Vatican Museums Courtyard is the starting point for Vatican tourists visiting the museums and is home to the famous fouled Spiral Column. 2. The Courtyard was the first work of St. Peter's Square by Italian architect Giacomo Della Porta and was completed in 1586. 3. The famous fouled spiral column in the Courtyard is known as the "Column of the Immaculate Conception" and is decorated with a large marble sculpture of an eagle. 4. The courtyard is also the home to the Pope's Helipad, which allows the Pope to land his helicopter at the Museums and travel to other parts of Vatican City. 5. The Courtyard has an average of 25,000 visitors each day and is the starting point for most Vatican tourist's journeys. 6. The Courtyard is also home to the beautiful Vatican Pine Garden, which features rare trees that were planted in the 19th century. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.