Discover the charms of Castel Gandolfo | Guide to your Italian getaway

Belvedere Gardens

Belvedere means ‘beautiful view’, and the gardens certainly live up to its name. You will find sunken koi ponds and a fountain here. Running along the right-hand side you will find the ancient cryptoporticus of the emperor Domitian decked up with dozens of plants and vines that creep up it. It is believed that this 300-meter long passage was constructed so that Domitian would be protected during his walks. 1,900 years later, during the Second World War, it was used to shelter dozens of families who had fled to Castel Gandolfo escaping persecution from the Nazis

Bernini Fountains

Renaissance master Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s fountains earned Rome the title of ‘open-air museum’. His works, from the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Piazza Navona to the Fontana del Tritone and Fontana delle Api in Piazza Barberini are masterpieces. Fontana delle Api, whose construction was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, was mainly created to regulate the water flow of the Fontana del Tritone. This fountain, although built out of necessity, maintains a harmonic and consistent layout of the square and the main fountain, thereby showcasing the brilliance of Bernini.

World's first Postbox

Piazza della Liberta, Castel Gandolfo’s main square is a 15-minute walk from the station. It’s going to be a steep walk as the square is situated on a hill, but once you reach, the vibe of the village will invigorate your senses. Piazza della Liberta’s main attraction is the facade of the Papal Palace which overlooks the square. It is also home to the world’s first postbox (yes, how iconic is that!), so uphold the tradition that most tourists follow and post a letter. You can also visit the Church of San Tommaso, the central church of the village.

Lake Albano

Head down to the shores of Lake Albano after your coffee at Piazza della Liberta. The road that runs along the lake is lined with restaurants and bars on one side and beach clubs on the other. You can either rent a bike to scout the surrounding area or rent a boat or a kayak and enjoy the fresh air and lake view. A word of caution: Do not dive into the lake as the volcanic waters are extremely chilly and the depth (Lake Albano is the deepest lake in the region of Lazio, reaching 560 ft) could be fatal for swimmers.

Regilious Sites

• The parish church, Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, was designed by Bernini at the behest of Chigi Pope Alexander VII.
• Church of Our Lady of the Lake is located on the shores of Lake Albano. It was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1977.
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which was constructed in 1619.
• Church of Santa Maria is situated in the Borgo San Paolo district. The Ugo Bazzi theater adjoins the church.
• Church of San Sebastiano, dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
• Church of Santa Maria Della Cona.

Archaeological Sites

• The Papal Palace was built on the ruins of the former castle. The site partly occupies the foundations of a summer residence of Emperor Domitian. In the palace's inner courtyard you will find a Roman bust depicting Polyphemus, the Cyclops from whose cave Ulysses escaped. You will also find a nymphaeum in the villa's gardens.
• Villa of Publius Clodius Pulcher, located on the Appian Way.
• The Bergantino or bath of Diana nymphaeum, on the western shores of the Lake Albano.
• Emissary of the Lake Albano, a 1,800-meter long artificial conduit of runoff water that runs from the West coast of Lake Albano and leads into Castel Gandolfo territory.