What is Villa Barberini?

The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, spread over an area of 55 hectares, comprises numerous gardens such as Il Giardino del Moro, the Gardens of Villa Cibo, the Magnolia Garden, and the Belvedere Garden. Villa Barberini, a beautiful mix of botanical and archaeological beauty, is one of the key highlights of Castel Gandolfo. Built during the Renaissance era, on the grounds of the splendid Roman villa of Emperor Albanum Domitian the garden is home to centuries-old holm oak trees, some as old as 400 years.

Why visit Villa Barberini?

A day trip to Villa Barberini offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Rome.

The villa, built during the Renaissance on the site of Emperor Domitian's Roman villa, is renowned for its beautiful blend of botanical and archaeological treasures.

Visitors can stroll through gardens such as Il Giardino del Moro and Giardino del Belvedere, relax in the shade of Giardino Della Madonnina, and explore the Cryptoportico of King Domitian’s palace, where people sought refuge during WWII.

Additionally, the Apostolic Palace, now a museum, allows you to explore the personal quarters of past Popes.

Where is Villa Barberini located?

Address: Via dei Penitenzieri, 20, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Find on Map

Villa Barberini lies adjacent to the Pontificial Villas of Castel Gandolfo.

Nearest Town: Castel Gandolfo

Nearest Train Station: Castel Gandolfo Station

How to get to Villa Barberini?

By bus

Take the COTRAL bus from Rome to Appia /Via Mole, which is about a 5 min walk away. You can also alight at Appia /Via Ercolano, (6 mins), Castel Gandolfo | Palazzo Apostolico (9 mins), or at Castel Gandolfo | Stazione FS (13 mins).

By train

Take train FL4 from Ippodromo Delle Capannelle. The journey takes about 67 minutes, and you can alight at Albano Laziale, which is the closest station to Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo. The station is located an 8-minute walk away.

History of Villa Barberini

Villa Barberini (also known as the Villa Barberini al Gianicolo) was built on the grounds of the villa of the Roman Emperor Domitian.

In 1597, Castel Gandolfo was purchased by the Savelli Family and in 1604, it became part of the temporal domains of the Papal States, by decree of Pope Clement VIII.

The Apostolic Palace was designed by architect Carlo Maderno at the behest of Pope Urban VIII. At the time, the villa terraced garden was also built. The vast courtyard was a space that the popes enjoyed spending their leisure time at. Pope Pius XI started using the retreat again in 1934.

Frequently asked questions about Villa Barberini

Does the Vatican ticket include access to Villa Barberini and the Apostolic Palace?

No, the standard Vatican ticket does not include access to Villa Barberini and the Apostolic Palace. You will need to book tickets that specifically provide access to these landmarks.

Do my Villa Barberini tickets include skip-the-line access?

Villa Barberini is a less visited attraction, making it an excellent option for those looking to avoid crowds. Due to the lower visitor numbers, there typically aren't long lines on site, so skip-the-line access is generally not required.

Does my Villa Barberini tour include a tour guide?

Depending on the tour you select, you may have the option of a multilingual audio guide or a live tour guide to accompany you throughout your visit.

What should I wear before visiting Villa Barberini?

The Vatican is strict about visitors adhering to its dress code. Low-cut or sleeveless shirts, shorts, and miniskirts are not permitted on the grounds of any institution under the Vatican.

Is Villa Barberini accessible to persons with disabilities?

The design of these premises includes multiple staircases and long, winding roads. It is therefore not recommended that those with physical disabilities opt for a tour of the grounds.