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 name comes from the Gandolfi family, medieval lords who built a castle on the site before it later became papal property. Over time, the name evolved into Castel Gandolfo, though it is sometimes also referred to as Castel Gondolfo.
No. For centuries, it remained a private papal retreat, inaccessible to outsiders. It was only in recent years, under Pope Francis, that the Apostolic Palace and gardens were opened and transformed into a museum and cultural destination.
Almost every pope from Urban VIII in the 17th century up until Benedict XVI used the palace as their summer residence. Pope Francis chose not to stay there, instead opening it to visitors as part of his initiative to make Vatican heritage more accessible.
Yes. The site sits on the remains of Emperor Domitian’s villa, a sprawling Roman complex with theatres, cryptoporticos, and gardens. Elements of these ruins are still visible in the Barberini Gardens today.
The entire papal estate at Castel Gandolfo covers about 55 hectares, including the palace itself, the Barberini Gardens, and parts of Domitian’s ancient villa.
Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours exploring the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens. If you’d like to enjoy the historic town, its piazza, and the views over Lake Albano, plan for a half-day trip. A full day allows time for a leisurely lakeside walk or meal.
The palace blends Baroque refinement with classical harmony, marked by a dignified facade that looks out over the town’s main square. Inside, visitors encounter richly furnished apartments, an intimate papal chapel, and grand reception rooms once reserved for official audiences. Its layout extends toward the hills, where terraces and loggias open onto sweeping views of Lake Albano.
The name comes from the Gandolfi family, medieval lords who built a castle on the site before it later became papal property. Over time, the name evolved into Castel Gandolfo, though it is sometimes also referred to as Castel Gondolfo.
No. For centuries, it remained a private papal retreat, inaccessible to outsiders. It was only in recent years, under Pope Francis, that the Apostolic Palace and gardens were opened and transformed into a museum and cultural destination.
Almost every pope from Urban VIII in the 17th century up until Benedict XVI used the palace as their summer residence. Pope Francis chose not to stay there, instead opening it to visitors as part of his initiative to make Vatican heritage more accessible.
Yes. The site sits on the remains of Emperor Domitian’s villa, a sprawling Roman complex with theatres, cryptoporticos, and gardens. Elements of these ruins are still visible in the Barberini Gardens today.
The entire papal estate at Castel Gandolfo covers about 55 hectares, including the palace itself, the Barberini Gardens, and parts of Domitian’s ancient villa.
Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours exploring the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens. If you’d like to enjoy the historic town, its piazza, and the views over Lake Albano, plan for a half-day trip. A full day allows time for a leisurely lakeside walk or meal.
Castel Gandolfo Palace & Secret Garden Tickets
Castel Gandolfo Full Experience with Eco-Minibus Tour of Pontifical Gardens
Castel Gandolfo Observatory Domes Tickets
Combo (Save 21%): Castel Gandolfo Palace + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entry Tickets
