English
English
- Vatican Museums
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace
- Vatican Gardens
- Apostolic Palace
- Papal Audience
- Vatican Grottoes
- Vatican City
- Castle Gondolfo
- Vatican Necropolis
- Vatican Archives
- Vatican Library
- Villa Barberini
- History
- Inside
- Vatican Easter Mass
- Christmas Tree
- Nativity Scene
- Secrets of Vatican
- Christmas
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Night Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Rules
- Entrances
- Facts
- Map
- Omnia Card
- Vatican Mass
- Dress Code
- Things to do in Vatican
- Colosseum
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Borghese Gallery
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Bioparco Rome
- Big Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Roman Baths of Caracalla
- Palazzo Merulana
- Crypta Balbi
- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
- Mamertine Prison
Book Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace Tickets | Explore the Apostolic Palace & Gardens
Vatican TicketsCastel Gandolfo Papal Palace
Top things to do in Rome
In the midst of the lush greenery and scenic views of the Italian countryside, lies the tiny town of Castel Gandolfo. The town, located on the Alban Hills and overlooking Lake Albano, hosts around 9,000 residents. Visitors from all over the world flock to this town to see the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo or the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo is part of a 135-acre (54.6-ha) complex with buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens. It served as the summer home of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, for centuries. In 2016, it was opened to the public as a museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Apostolic Palace on your next visit to Rome and Vatican City.
Why Visit the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
- Explore the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope, for centuries prior.
- Around 20 rooms of the Papal Villas are open to the public, allowing visitors to understand the Popes’ lifestyles over the last 500 years.
- Paintings, relics, and liturgical vestments, throughout the museum tell the stories related to the Popes that used this residence.
- Interesting artifacts are also on display, such as the sedan chair of Pope Pius IX and the BMW used by Pope Wojtyla.
- Enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush gardens of Villa Barberini, the private garden of the Pope.
What to See at the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
Here are the top highlights of the Pope's summer residence.
The Apostolic Palace
This papal summer retreat was designed by Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century. The Apostolic Palace opened its doors to the public in 2016 when Pope Francis decided to forego it as his residence and chose a Vatican City guesthouse. The Papal Palace has now been turned into a museum which has Vatican-related artifacts, such as the costumes and cars of former popes. Tourists have access to the papal apartments with marble flooring, the papal portrait gallery, the summer office and even the private bedroom.
Villa Barberini Gardens
Built on the grounds of the splendid Roman villa of Emperor Albanum Domitian, Barberini Gardens is an amalgamation of archeological ruins and luxurious as well as natural beauty. It’s a true reflection of the traditional Italian garden style with its carefully tended hedge mazes, fountains, dazzling geometric plant beds, sculptures, and ancient ruins. Barberini Gardens have been open to the public since 2014. Similar to the Papal Palace, it’s closed on Sundays and prior booking is necessary.
Know More
Belvedere Gardens
Meaning ‘beautiful view’, the Belvedere Gardens were also built on Emperor Domitian’s grounds. You will find the famous cryptoporticus or covered passageway of the emperor here. Dozens of plants and vines creep up against it, but the architectural feat of its design is clearly visible as you step inside. In fact, this 300-meter long covered walkway served as shade when Domitian went for a walk, and was also responsible for providing shelter to those who fled to Castel Gandolfo from the Nazis.
Pope's Farm
The Pope’s Farm inside the palace is a 50-acre, family-run farm that produces everything that the Pope eats. Fresh produce, including handmade cheeses such as pecorino, mozzarella, and ricotta, yogurts, eggs, milk, cauliflower, and broccoli, is shipped on a daily basis to the Vatican. This organic farm is beautifully maintained with over 1,000 olive trees. These trees are tangible history as half of them have been standing since 1200. You can also walk through several orchards and vineyards on the grounds.
Inside the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
What is Inside the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
Inside the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace, you can view its rich furnishing and decor. Peruse the papal portrait gallery. Visit the groom's room, statues and paintings of former popes, the clock parlor, and the throne room and view various pontifical artifacts. One of the 20 marble-floored rooms in the papal apartments is the gallery of Alexander VII, where you will find a bust of the late Pope John Paul II. You can even see the Pope's bedroom, believed to have been used by several Jewish women as a delivery room during World War II.
Who Lives at the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
The 17th-century Apostolic Palace that overlooks Lake Albano used to be the summer residence of the Pope. The first pope to use it as a summer residence was Urban VIII in the 17th century. Since then, it has been used by around 15 Popes to escape the Roman summer heat. In 2016, Pope Francis, however, decided to forgo using the palazzo, finding it to be too extravagant, preferring to spend his summer at his home in the Vatican. Since it was opened to the public no one resides at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
Can Visitors Go Inside the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
Yes, your Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace tickets will allow you access to the earlier private summer residence of the Pope. Enjoy the view of the sparkling waters of Lake Albano and the green countryside. Along with the Papal Palace in the sleepy town of Castel Gandolfo, you will be able to explore the lush gardens of Villa Barberini and Belvedere Gardens. With the help of an audio guide, you will be able to explore and better understand the significance of the summer residence of the Pope.
Plan Your Visit to the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace
Opening Hours
Getting There
Tips & Rules
What are opening hours of the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
The Papal Palace will be open Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 2 PM. On Saturdays, the palace will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Closed: The Palace will remain closed on February 11, March 19, and on Sundays.
How long is a tour of the Papal Palace?
On average, you can expect to spend at least 2 hours touring the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
It is located at Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo Città Metropolitana di Roma, Italy.
Find On Map
- You can get to the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo by either train, bus or car.
- From the Roma Termini station in Rome, Castel Gandolfo is about 40 minutes away by train. Get off at the Castel Gandolfo stop and walk towards Piazza della Liberta. From here, you can walk to the entrance of the palace.
- You can take buses from Anagnina point in Rome to Castel Gandolfo. Though the buses are less frequent, you'll reach fairly quickly.
Is photography allowed at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
Yes, photography is allowed. However, the use of flash, tripods or selfie sticks is not permitted.
Is storage facility available at Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
No, storage facility is not available. Large bags and luggage cannot be carried inside, only small backpacks and handbags are allowed.
Are outside food and drinks permitted inside Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo?
No, outside food and drinks is not permitted inside the palace. A restaurant is open to visitors here.
Is the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo wheelchair-accessible?
Due to the uneven pathways and stairs, the grounds cannot accommodate wheelchairs. However, inside the museum, ramps and elevators are available for differently-abled visitors to comfortably move around.
All Your Questions About the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace Answered
Q. Is the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace open?
A. Yes, the Apostolic Palace is now open to to visitors.
Q. Are tickets to the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace available online?
A. Yes, guests can pre-book their tickets online now to visit the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace and Gardens.
Q. What does my Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace tour include?
A. You can visit the Apostolic Palace, adjoining pontifical gardens and depending on your ticket, you may have access to Villa Barberini and its gardens.
Q. Is access to the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace included in Vatican tickets?
A. No. You would have to specifically book tickets that include access to the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace and its gardens.
Q. What are Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace opening hours?
A. The palace welcomes visitors on Monday, and Friday between 8.30 AM to 2 PM with final entry at 1 PM and on Saturday from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, with final entry at 4.30 PM.
Q. What should I wear to the Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace?
A. Since the Palace holds significant religious and historical importance, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shorts or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Wear comfortable shoes for easy exploration.
