Castel Gandolfo Tickets

Enjoy reserved entry to the Pope’s historic summer retreat with serene pontifical gardens, open to public after centuries.

• Everything you get: Timed entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring the Pope’s living quarters and historic papal art brought to life. Then, stroll through the secret gardens, filled with fountains, sculptures, and serene botanical spaces.
• Why choose this: Discover rarely seen papal apartments and gardens in a unique Italian town 40 minutes from Rome, all with the freedom of a self-guided visit.
• Upgrades: Opt for an audio guide in English or Italian for a deeper understanding of the site’s heritage, art, and hidden details.

Inclusions

• Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

• Access to secret garden

• Audio guide in English/Italian (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Guided tour

• Access to observatory domes

• Minibus tour of extended gardens

• Transport to and from Rome

What to bring

• Please arrive at the venue at your selected time slot to ensure entry.
• Carry a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking to facilitate entry.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the visit involves exploring palace interiors and garden paths.
• Ensure shoulders and knees are covered in accordance with Vatican dress guidelines. A light scarf or shawl may be useful.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage are not permitted inside the venue.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Food and beverages are not allowed inside the palace and garden areas.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the premises.

Accessibility

• The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• This ticket does not include access to the observatory domes, minibus tour of the extended gardens, or a guided tour.
• Transportation to and from Rome is not included. Please plan your own travel by car, bus, or train.

Access the domes for the first time in 90 years and explore the rich history of the Vatican's celestial research.

• Everything you get: Step inside the papal palace's third-floor observatory, with its twin domes, where papal astronomers once studied the stars. Engaging exhibits showcase celestial mapping, historic instruments, and meteorites, complemented by breathtaking views of Lake Albano.
• Why choose this: An experience unique to Castel Gandolfo, this self-paced tour takes you from the early days of astronomy in the Renaissance to today’s space research. It offers a rare glimpse into the Vatican’s centuries-long fascination with the cosmos.

Inclusions

• Access to major and minor observatory domes

• Access to the third floor of Apostolic Palace

Exclusions

• Audio guide

• Guided tour

• Access to secret garden

• Minibus tour of extended gardens

• Transport to and from Rome

What to bring

• Arrive at your booked time slot with a valid photo ID matching your reservation name for smooth entry.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you may need to walk and explore the palace and observatory domes.
• Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you may spend extended time exploring.
• Follow Vatican dress rules by covering shoulders and knees. Carrying a light scarf or shawl is recommended.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the venue for security reasons.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Food and beverages are not allowed inside the palace and dome areas.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Accessibility

• The domes are on the third floor and typically not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Additional information

• This ticket does not include access to the secret gardens, minibus tour of the extended gardens, or a guided tour.
• The journey from Rome takes about 40 minutes. You need to arrange your own transport, with options including car, bus, or train.

Combine papal history, astronomy, scenic gardens, and the charm of the picturesque Italian town all in one day.

• Everything you get: Enjoy an eco-minibus tour of the Pontifical villa’s expansive gardens, with reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exclusive access to the twin observatory domes, and leisurely strolls through the secret garden with multilingual audio guide for added context.
• Why choose this: Just 40 minutes from Rome, see everything Castel Gandolfo has to offer in a single visit. This is where the legacy of popes, the science of stars, and the beauty of nature come together for a peaceful full-day experience.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit to include a local lunch (porchetta sandwich) and savor authentic flavors from the region during your tour.

Inclusions

• Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

• Eco-minibus tour of villa gardens

• Access to secret gardens

• Access to observatory domes

• Multilingual audio guide

• Lunch (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Guided tour

• Transport to and from Rome

What to bring

• Please arrive on time with a valid photo ID matching your booking name to ensure smooth entry.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the experience includes walking through gardens and palace grounds.
• In line with the Vatican dress code, please cover your shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl might come in handy.
• Carry water, especially during warmer months, as parts of the tour are outdoors.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the venue for security reasons.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the palace and observatory domes.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Please note that the twin observatory domes on the third floor are not accessible by visitors with mobility limitations.

Additional information

• The audio guide is available in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, or Russian.
• You must arrange your own transport to and from the venue, which is approximately 40 minutes from Rome by car, bus, or train.

Unlock the Vatican’s wonders and the Pope’s summer retreat with one seamless combo.

• Everything you get at Castel Gandolfo Palace & Secret Garden: Timed entry to the Apostolic Palace lets you explore the Pope’s private apartments and historic papal art. Walk through lush secret gardens filled with fountains, sculptures, and tranquil greenery.
• Everything you get at Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Skip the hour-long ticket lines and head straight to security for your reserved entry. Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your own pace, from ancient Roman sculptures to the Gallery of Maps and Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
• Why choose this combo: Experience two papal treasures, one in Rome and the other just 40 minutes away in the countryside. Enjoy guaranteed entry and rare access to both the Vatican’s world-famous art collection and the Pope’s summer residence.

Inclusions Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace

• Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

• Access to secret gardens

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Exclusions

• Live guide

What to bring

• Arrive promptly at your selected time slot to ensure smooth entry.
• Carry a valid photo ID that matches your booking details.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through large venues and gardens.
• Follow the Vatican dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered; a light scarf or shawl is recommended.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and bulky items are not permitted inside venues.
• Food, drinks, smoking, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Maintain silence in designated sacred areas; photography is restricted.

Accessibility

• The Vatican Museums are wheelchair and prom/stroller accessible.
• Castel Gandolfo Palace and Gardens have limited accessibility.

Additional information Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace

• Your ticket does not provide entry to the observatory domes, extended gardens, or guided tours.
• Transportation to and from Rome is not covered. Please plan your own travel by car, bus, or train.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

• Names are mandatory for all bookings. Double check the names at check out for a hassle-free entry and be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.
• The entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
• Please note that the Vatican reserves the right to close the Sistine Chapel at short notice for institutional events.

A complete papal experience combining guided exploration of Vatican's masterpieces with full access to Pope's summer retreat.

• Everything you get at Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace: Reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, an eco-minibus tour of the villa’s gardens, access to secret gardens and observatory domes, plus a multilingual audio guide for rich, self-paced discovery.
• Everything you get at Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Skip the lines for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, exploring highlights like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. Headsets ensure you catch every detail, even in busy galleries.
• Why choose this combo: Maximize your journey through papal history with this curated option, offering both a guided exploration of the Vatican Museums and full access to the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo in one combo.

Inclusions Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace

• Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

• Eco-minibus tour of villa gardens

• Access to secret gardens

• Access to observatory domes

• Multilingual audio guide

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide

• Explore with a group of up to 20 people

What to bring

• Arrive on time for your chosen time slot to ensure a smooth entry.
• Bring a valid photo ID that matches the booking information.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through extensive venues and gardens.
• Follow the Vatican dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered; a light scarf or shawl can be useful.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, or bulky items are not permitted inside the venues.
• Food, drinks, smoking, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Maintain silence in designated sacred areas; photography may be restricted.

Accessibility

• The Vatican Museums experience is accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
• In Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace, the twin observatory domes are located on the third floor and are not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

Additional information

• All bookings require the correct visitor names. Make sure names match your ID to ensure smooth entry.
• Entrance to the Museums is timed. Visitors must follow the assigned guide, as access without the guide is not permitted; missing the tour will result in forfeited tickets without refunds.
• During the Jubilee Year, some areas of the Vatican Museums may be closed due to religious ceremonies, and access to St. Peter’s Basilica may also be unexpectedly restricted.
• The Vatican reserves the right to close the Sistine Chapel at short notice for institutional events.
• Transportation between Rome and Castel Gandolfo is not included. Please plan your own travel by car, bus, or train.