Castel Gandolfo
Visit the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, the former summer residence of the popes, set amidst the charm of the Alban Hills. Explore its elegant rooms, admire the rich art collections, and discover the deep connection between papal tradition and cultural history.
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Discover the beauty of Castel Gandolfo with reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace and the secret garden, both now open to the public after centuries of exclusive papal use.
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Explore the papal history and grandeur of the royal palace at your own pace, with the freedom of a fully self-guided visit.
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Walk through the richly decorated papal apartments, where centuries of art, history, and priceless artifacts tell the story of the Vatican’s summer residence.
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Unwind in the secret garden, where vibrant blooms and sweeping landscapes offer a peaceful countryside escape, just 40 minutes from Rome.
More details
-
Discover the beauty of Castel Gandolfo with reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace and the secret garden, both now open to the public after centuries of exclusive papal use.
-
Explore the papal history and grandeur of the royal palace at your own pace, with the freedom of a fully self-guided visit.
-
Walk through the richly decorated papal apartments, where centuries of art, history, and priceless artifacts tell the story of the Vatican’s summer residence.
-
Unwind in the secret garden, where vibrant blooms and sweeping landscapes offer a peaceful countryside escape, just 40 minutes from Rome.
-
Visit the twin domes of the third-floor observatory, now open after almost 100 years, to explore the spaces where papal astronomers observed the stars.
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Discover fascinating exhibits on celestial mapping, historic instruments, and meteorites, revealing the Vatican’s long-standing engagement with astronomy.
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Take in sweeping views of Lake Albano from the domes, blending historical discovery with breathtaking scenery.
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This self-guided experience lets you journey through centuries of astronomical discovery and the Vatican’s fascination with the cosmos.
More details
-
Visit the twin domes of the third-floor observatory, now open after almost 100 years, to explore the spaces where papal astronomers observed the stars.
-
Discover fascinating exhibits on celestial mapping, historic instruments, and meteorites, revealing the Vatican’s long-standing engagement with astronomy.
-
Take in sweeping views of Lake Albano from the domes, blending historical discovery with breathtaking scenery.
-
This self-guided experience lets you journey through centuries of astronomical discovery and the Vatican’s fascination with the cosmos.
-
Experience Castel Gandolfo in its entirety, from papal history and astronomy to lush gardens and the welcoming charm of a picturesque Italian town, all in one day.
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Take an eco-minibus tour through the villa’s expansive gardens, discovering peaceful landscapes and hidden corners.
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Enjoy reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring grand papal apartments filled with history and art.
-
Gain exclusive access to the historic observatory domes, where centuries of astronomical study come to life.
-
Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in English/Italian, and choose to upgrade your visit with a delicious porchetta sandwich for lunch.
More details
-
Experience Castel Gandolfo in its entirety, from papal history and astronomy to lush gardens and the welcoming charm of a picturesque Italian town, all in one day.
-
Take an eco-minibus tour through the villa’s expansive gardens, discovering peaceful landscapes and hidden corners.
-
Enjoy reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring grand papal apartments filled with history and art.
-
Gain exclusive access to the historic observatory domes, where centuries of astronomical study come to life.
-
Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in English/Italian, and choose to upgrade your visit with a delicious porchetta sandwich for lunch.
-
Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and gaze at Michelangelo's vibrant murals of biblical heavens.
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Let your guide take you through the Catacomb's eerie tunnels with skulls and bones of the buried, peeking through the walls, created by Roman Christians 2000 years ago.
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Step into Hadrian's Mausoleum and be greeted by the cylindrical building topped by a golden quadriga that later turned into a prison.
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Wander through the Castel Gandolfo where colorful houses hug the shores of the serene Lake Albano and the papal palace stands as a historic centerpiece.
-
Fun fact: Some catacombs were used as secret meeting places during times of religious persecution, to hide from the Roman authorities!
More details
-
Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and gaze at Michelangelo's vibrant murals of biblical heavens.
-
Let your guide take you through the Catacomb's eerie tunnels with skulls and bones of the buried, peeking through the walls, created by Roman Christians 2000 years ago.
-
Step into Hadrian's Mausoleum and be greeted by the cylindrical building topped by a golden quadriga that later turned into a prison.
-
Wander through the Castel Gandolfo where colorful houses hug the shores of the serene Lake Albano and the papal palace stands as a historic centerpiece.
-
Fun fact: Some catacombs were used as secret meeting places during times of religious persecution, to hide from the Roman authorities!
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About Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
Perched atop the Alban Hills, the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo has been a papal retreat since the 17th century. Built over the ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa, it blends Renaissance elegance with centuries of religious heritage, offering a glimpse into the Pope’s life beyond the Vatican walls.
Castel Gandolfo served as the Pope’s summer retreat since 1626, until Pope Francis opened it to the public in 2016.
In September 2015, the Pope’s private train between Vatican City and Castel Gandolfo was opened to the public.
Between 1870 and 1929, no pope visited Castel Gandolfo due to political tensions with the Italian state.
The palace exhibits include unique artifacts like Pope Pius IX’s sedan chair and Pope John Paul II’s BMW.
Roman Emperor Domitian’s 1st-century villa once stood on the same grounds as the current palace and gardens.
Why visit Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
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