Castel Gandolfo

Find information about Castel Gandolfo, an architectural masterpiece

Inside Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a beautiful town located to the south of Rome, Italy. It is located on Lake Albano and is well known for its stunning views and the papal palace. The palace was owned by the Pope from 1627 to 2019 and is now open to the public. It is a great place for a day trip from Rome and has many attractions to explore.

About Castel Gandolfo

The town has been inhabited since the days of Ancient Rome and has a population of approximately 8,700 people. It is home to a number of historical landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The town is a hub of activity during the summer months, when the Pope visits to escape the heat of Rome.

The town is also home to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, a stunning collection of villas, parks and gardens that were built for the papal family throughout the centuries. The villas offer visitors a unique glimpse into the life of the papacy and are a must-see for any history or art enthusiast.

Reasons to visit Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is an ideal day trip from Rome for those who want to explore the history of the Catholic Church and the papal palace. The town is also a great place to spend the day with its picturesque streets and views of the lake.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, as well as a number of small shops and galleries. The town is also home to a number of churches and cathedrals, making it a great place to explore the history and art of Italy.

Castel Gandolfo tickets, Pricing & Opening Hours

The papal palace is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Tickets cost around €15 for adults and €10 for children. The palace is open from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m, Monday to Friday and timings for Saturday are 8.30 a.m. to 5.30.

Castel Gandolfo History

Castel Gandolfo has a long and interesting history. It was originally a defensive fortress built in the 15th century, but was later transformed into a summer residence for the popes. The palace was used by the popes from 1627 onwards, until it was opened to the public in 2019. The town was also the birthplace of several famous figures, including Pope Pius XII and the composer Gioacchino Rossini.

Castel Gandolfo Highlights

The main attraction of Castel Gandolfo is the papal palace. This historic building is now open to the public and is filled with art and artefacts from the Catholic Church. Other highlights include the winding streets of the town, the lake and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The town is also home to several churches and cathedrals, which are well worth exploring.

More information

VATICAN MUSEUM TICKETS

Skip the line tickets

Get your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tickets here! Book now your tickets and forget about standing in long lines to… see more

VATICAN ARCHITECTURE

Vatican Archives & Vatican Library

The Vatican archives and library are one of the most prestigious and oldest repositories of knowledge and historical artifa… see more

VATICAN INFORMATION

Michelangelo

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) was an Italian artist, and one of the most revered and influential artists in art history. He… see more