Gregorian Tower Tower

Address: Gregorian Tower (Torre Gregoriana), Vatican City

The Gregorian Tower, also known as the Tower of the Winds, is a tower in the Vatican City built during the papacy of Gregory XIII in the late 16th century. It was constructed in connection with the Vatican Palace and later became associated with astronomical observation.

Historically the tower housed instruments and observation space linked to papal projects on calendar reform and astronomy; in later centuries it became part of the buildings used by the Vatican Observatory. The tower combines Renaissance architectural elements with later modifications related to its scientific uses.

The tower sits within the Vatican City complex adjacent to the Vatican Palace on the western side of St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Date and use: Built in the late 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, it later served astronomical purposes and is associated with the Vatican Observatory.

The Gregorian Tower (Torre Gregoriana) is within Vatican City near the Apostolic Palace and St. Peter’s area. From central Rome take Metro line A to Ottaviano or Cipro and walk 5-10 minutes to St. Peter’s Square to reach Vatican entrances on foot. Note that the tower itself is not generally open to casual visitors - access is restricted and normally requires permission or access as part of specific guided/official visits.

• Confirm access before you go - the Gregorian Tower is not part of the regular public Vatican Museums route and public entry is limited, so check with the Vatican Museums or the Pontifical Gregorian University for any special visits or openings.
• If you secure access, time your visit for quieter hours (weekday mornings when church-related visitors are fewer) and plan to combine it with nearby Vatican sites so you don't make a separate trip for a short visit.