Castel Gandolfo Tickets

Enjoy reserved entry to the Pope’s historic summer retreat with lush 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 tranquil gardens in a unique Italian town 40 minutes from Rome, all with the freedom of a self-guided visit.
• Upgrades: Enhance your experience with an English or Italian audio guide, offering expert insights into the Apostolic Palace’s history, art, and architecture.

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.

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.
• Why choose this: Just 40 minutes from Rome, this is where the legacy of popes, the science of stars, and the beauty of nature come together for a peaceful full-day experience. Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in English or Italian.
• 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 garden

• Access to observatory domes

• Audio guide (English/Italian)

• 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.
• Feel free to bring personal headphones for the included physical audio guide.
• 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

• You must arrange your own transport to and from the venue, which is approximately 40 minutes from Rome by car, bus, or train.

Access the domes for the first time in 90 years and explore the Pope’s summer residence, rich with Vatican history.

• Everything you get: With reserved entry, tour the apartments that were home to centuries of papal life. The third-floor observatory’s twin domes offer a journey into astronomy, with engaging exhibits on celestial mapping and meteorites, added with 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

• Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

• Access to observatory domes

Exclusions

• 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.