Castel Gandolfo's Apostolic Palace & Secret Garden Ticket

Explore the summer residence of the Pope

Head to Castel Gandolfo. Lying on the edge of Lake Albano, in the Alban Hills just south of Rome, this place is commonly known as the Pope’s city, housing the Pope’s summertime residence - The Apostolic Palace. This was the place the Pope escaped to when Vatican pressures built up. The palace dominates the town and is seated on a scenic spot overlooking the lake, with picturesque gardens built on the site of the ancient villas. Displaying a mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture, the palace is a sight for sore eyes! Meanwhile, enjoy a multilingual audio guide upon an upgrade, that will narrate a 500-year history of various popes. Drown yourself in history as you experience a holy detour.

The Papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo

The Papal Villas are styled gardens of Italian wonder consisting of archaeological treasures and works of art. Enjoy a regenerating walk in the vast gardens of Villa Barberini. This was the private garden of the Pope himself. A close relationship with nature is ever-present across the decorations found in the gardens with cascades of flowers and reflections on the passage of time. The Papal Villas extend over the remains of the famous Villa of Domitian. Equipped for cold and harsh weather, rich in natural beauty, sumptuous buildings, monuments, and works of art, this was the villa that once housed emperor Domitian. The villa was once a huge complex that was built on three terraces, with three courtyards, some water features that looked out on the Avenue of Nymphaea, a cryptoportico (covered passage), a theatre, and a circus.