Apostolic Palace
Visit Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, a place of spiritual significance and historical grandeur. Admire the grand rooms, priceless art, and absorb the Vatican's profound heritage. This visit offers a remarkable glimpse into a world of faith, art, and tradition.
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Visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope, for centuries prior, and admire its extravagance.
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See the large display of cars at the palace, and marvel at paintings, frescoes, and portraits that add a lot of character to the arches and pillars.
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Venture into the lush gardens of Villa Barberini or Secret Gardens to see its trimmed hedges, mazes, and flowers in bloom making this garden a beautiful escape.
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Enjoy the sparkling waters and the lush green countryside of Castel Gandolfo and see for yourself why this place was chosen by emperors and popes as a summertime residence.
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Did you know that Michaelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel also lies within The Apostolic Palace?
More details
-
Visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope, for centuries prior, and admire its extravagance.
-
See the large display of cars at the palace, and marvel at paintings, frescoes, and portraits that add a lot of character to the arches and pillars.
-
Venture into the lush gardens of Villa Barberini or Secret Gardens to see its trimmed hedges, mazes, and flowers in bloom making this garden a beautiful escape.
-
Enjoy the sparkling waters and the lush green countryside of Castel Gandolfo and see for yourself why this place was chosen by emperors and popes as a summertime residence.
-
Did you know that Michaelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel also lies within The Apostolic Palace?
-
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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Pro tips to help you make a pick
Visit the Raphael Rooms right after the Sistine Chapel to avoid the rush. Don’t miss The School of Athens, a masterpiece showcasing Renaissance thinkers. Look for Aristotle and Plato in the center of the fresco.
Extend your visit by exploring the charming town of Castel Gandolfo. Its cobbled streets and local cafes offer a delightful experience.
Enhance your visit with an audio guide or join a guided tour to delve deeper into the history of the Papal residence and the garden’s design.
Plan your visit on Wednesday mornings to experience the Pope’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Arrive early for a closer spot.
If you’re a history enthusiast, look into tours that provide access to the Vatican Library’s treasures, including ancient texts and manuscripts.
Top things to do in Rome
About Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
A visit to the Apostolic Palace unveils centuries of art, history, and religious significance. Admire the stunning Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Apostolic Library—testaments to unparalleled artistic achievement.
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling lying on his back—a feat that took over four years.
The Apostolic Palace houses over 1,400 rooms, making it a true architectural wonder.
The Raphael Rooms were originally part of the private papal apartments.
It’s not just a residence but also houses the Vatican Library and several chapels.
Visitors can glimpse the Pope's weekly audience from St. Peter’s Square.
Why visit Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
Plan your visit
Porta Sant’Anna (Main Entrance)
The primary access point to the Vatican Museums and Apostolic Palace. Located on Viale Vaticano, it’s easily identifiable and offers wheelchair accessibility.
Musei Vaticani Entrance
Dedicated entry for Vatican Museums and connected attractions like the Sistine Chapel. Ideal for those booking museum tours or tickets in advance.
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