(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 04.19.2023).- In the month of May, traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Vatican Museums propose to pilgrims and tourists a cultural, spiritual and naturalist itinerary, to discover the numerous images of the Mother of God disseminated in the incomparable framework of the Vatican Gardens: an oasis of peace and exuberant green lung, which occupies almost half of the extension of Vatican State.
Every Wednesday, from May 3 to 31 — at the end of the Holy Father’s usual General Audience — and every Saturday it will be possible to join this special Marian pilgrimage through the botanical and artistic wonders of the Pope’s Gardens, a place once reserved for Pontiffs’ brief moments of rest and today open to visits and to the appreciation of the public outside. It is an excellent occasion to admire how, over the course of time, Popes have honoured Mary in this Garden, unique of its kind, designed as a place of prayer and contemplation.
Numerous are the effigies of the Virgin, from all over the world, which mark the various naturalists paths, beginning with the oldest, Our Lady of Lourdes — faithful copy of the French original — up to the most recent from Latin America, passing by the statue of the Virgin of Fatima or the monument of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so loved and venerated by Pope Francis.
It is a type of visit adapted for all, including families with children (recommended age from six)
Guided visits, made in Italian or English, are completely accessible to individuals with sensorial, motor and intellectual disabilities. Reservations can be made at e-mail address education.musei@scv.va
