September 16, 2011. (Romereports.com) When visiting the Vatican, some people only see St. Peter's square, but beyond these columns there's so much more to see. Places like the Vatican's garden for example. Now, a new and improved tour, gives pilgrims access this and other sites. 

Msgr. Liberio Andreatta
Vice President, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“You have to pass by the small forest,  fountains, the Vatican Radio Headquarters. Also, by different shrines. It may be small, but the city  is rich in values, culture, history and religion.”

The tours were recently re-launched by the Opera Romana Pellegriniaggi. By boarding these buses,  pilgrims can take a one hour tour inside the Vatican walls. There, one can see the pope's so called heliport, where the helicopter lands and takes off.  Also the Vatican's small train station that was built in the 1930's. And of course, one can visit different shrines, like the “Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto,” where the pope often prays.

Msgr. Cesare Atuire
Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“To think that it's the garden where the pope prays the rosary, and when doing so, he prays for all of us. The fact that people can visit this site and then know that afterward, the pope will eventually pass by that very site to pray for us. It's a spiritual connection.”

During the tour, one can get on and off the bus at times, to walk around and even pray. For now,  the audio tours are in English, Italian, French, Spanish and German.

Msgr. Liberio Andreatta
Vice President, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“We chose an electricity method that's environmentally conscientious, so we'll be able to combine  high technology with beauty. That way, technology can help us appreciate the beauty of art and religion.”

The tour cost roughly 12 euros for adults and 8 for children. For more information, one can visit their website.

Organizers hope this tour will give people a different perspective on the Vatican, including its history and spirituality.