Castel Gandolfo: Discover the Pope’s Summer Residence

Castel Gandolfo is a small, picturesque town in the Alban Hills, about 25 km southeast of Rome.  It’s a popular day trip from Rome because of its history, lakeside scenery, and charming medieval streets. It overlooks Lake Albano and is famous as the traditional summer residence of the popes. 

It’s also one of the most surprising ways to experience the wider story of the Vatican beyond Rome itself. And for those interested in going deeper, expert-led Vatican City tours offer a brilliant way to connect Castel Gandolfo with the history, art, and power of the Holy See.

Lago Albano, just outside of Rome

Why Castel Gandolfo is linked to Vatican City

Castel Gandolfo isn’t just a lakeside escape, it has long been considered part of the extended world of Vatican City. For centuries, it served as the papal summer residence, meaning many popes spent their time here away from the formalities of Rome. 

Even today, the Apostolic Palace remains under Vatican administration, which is why visiting Castel Gandolfo often feels like stepping into a quieter, more relaxed version of Vatican life.

Exploring Castel Gandolfo will make you understand why it’s been the Pope’s summer residency. Photo credit: Carole Raddato

Interesting Facts about Castel Gandolfo

• At its heart is the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, which served as a papal retreat for centuries.

• It has only been been open to the public as a museum for the last decade, so it is still a less-known attraction and a hidden gem for those in the know. 

• Castel Gandolfo also has the Vatican Observatory and beautiful Barberini Gardens, which visitors can also take a tour of.

• The town is part of the Castelli Romani area, a group of hill towns known for their wine, food, and historic villas.

• Castel Gandolfo also gained global attention after appearing in the film The Two Popes filming locations, which explored the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The palace and surrounding hills were used to represent key moments of papal reflection and transition, adding a cinematic layer to this already historic retreat.

Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix film The Two Popes, counting ballots in the Sistine Chapel during the Papal Conclave

Historical significance of Castel Gandolfo

The property itself originally belonged to the Barberini family, which is why both the grounds and interiors are nothing short of opulent. Their ties to Pope Urban VIII influenced their relevance in the 17th-century as they became recognized as Italian nobility and is the connection behind the Apostolic Palace eventually being transformed into the Pope’s summer residence.

Aside from the Barberini’s country-side home south of Rome, the family commissioned Bernini to construct their city dwelling, Palazzo Barberini in Rome. In both properties, you can still spot the family crest most recognizable by the bee, so keep an eye out for the various bees carved throughout the property.

The expertly manicured gardens of the Villa Barberini in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

A new chapter for Castel Gandolfo

The opening of Castel Gandolfo to the public marks an important shift in how the estate is used today. In fact it was Pope Francis who chose to make the residence and its gardens accessible to visitors in 2016, as it was no longer regularly used as a papal summer home. 

Today, the site functions as both a cultural landmark and a conservation space. Ticket revenue supports ongoing maintenance of the gardens and contributes to wider Vatican preservation efforts, helping balance tourism with the upkeep of historic sites.

Insider tip: Discover some of the other things Pope Francis changed during his time as pope, from Vatican traditions to everyday life inside the Holy See.

Learn more about this fascinating house and gardens.

Visit the town, house and gardens 

Castel Gandolfo itself feels instantly different from Rome. The streets are quiet and cobbled, the atmosphere is slow and unhurried, and the lakeside setting gives it a calm that feels almost unexpected for somewhere so closely linked to the Vatican.

Walking through the town and into the former papal residence, the contrast becomes even more striking. The Apostolic Palace opens out into vast, perfectly maintained gardens stretching across rolling green terraces, filled with ancient olive trees and carefully preserved landscaping. Scattered throughout are small reminders of its papal past, including animals donated from around the world and centuries of history embedded into the grounds.

It’s the kind of place that feels far removed from the grandeur of Rome, yet is quietly connected to the heart of Vatican City in the most unexpected way.

Stroll through the gardens, which are a favourite haven of the Pope. (Image taken on location during filming of the Two Popes)

The Barberini Gardens

Before entering the palace, visitors pass through the Barberini Gardens, often explored via golf cart tours that provide detailed insight into the landscape design and history.

The grounds are maintained by dedicated staff and include Roman ruins such as ancient cobbled paths, columns, and architectural fragments that have been incorporated into the gardens over time.

Water features are another defining element, with fountains, aqueducts, and ponds shaping both the aesthetic and irrigation system of the estate.

Well considered symmetry makes this garden seem even more magnificent.

An insight into the Pope´s daily life

Moving into the home itself allows for a more historical, yet comprehendible, peek into the Pope’s daily life. Preserved robes and gowns reveal the change in attire for various Pope duties. Original portraits remind you of the significance of Popes throughout history.

Then there are the gold-gilded ceilings of the halls, a sprawling banquet table for the Pope’s dignitary dining guests, the Pope’s simple bedroom in comparison, and balconies with sweeping views over the gardens, Lake Albano, and on a clear day, the Mediterranean Sea.

There’s also a lookout to the former helicopter pad, where for the first time in history, two Popes met, Pope Benedetto and Pope Francis.

Insider Tip: Alongside the charm of Castel Gandolfo, the city of Rome is full of hidden gems. Take a look at our guide to alternative things to see in Rome for a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Getting out of the city and touring the gardens surrounding Castel Gandolfo is a pleasure

FAQs – Castel Gandolfo 

Does the Pope still use Castel Gandolfo?

No, the papal residence is no longer regularly used as a summer retreat. It was opened to the public in recent years, meaning visitors can now explore the Apostolic Palace and gardens that were once reserved exclusively for the pope.

Is Castel Gandolfo part of Vatican City?

Not geographically. Castel Gandolfo is located in Italy, about 25 km from Rome. However, the Apostolic Palace and surrounding estate are owned and managed by the Vatican, which is why it is often considered part of the wider world of Vatican City history and administration.

How much does it cost to visit the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens?

Tickets vary depending on what you want to see. Entry to the Apostolic Palace is around €11, while a combined ticket with the Barberini Gardens costs about €26. Guided tours and golf cart tours of the gardens are slightly more. Audio guides are also available for a small extra fee.

How long should I plan to spend in Castel Gandolfo?

Most visitors allow at least 3 – 4 hours to explore the palace, gardens, and town. If you want to stroll by Lake Albano, enjoy a meal, or take a boat ride, consider making it a full-day trip from Rome.

How do I get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome?

The easiest option is the regional train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo station, which takes about 40 minutes. From the station, it’s a 15-minute uphill walk into town. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour or drive (around 45 minutes).

The Vatican Museums house a total of fifty four separate collections!

Ready to discover Castel Gandolfo and Vatican City for yourself?

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, combining Castel Gandolfo with a deeper exploration of Vatican history is one of the best ways to understand the story of the papacy beyond St. Peter’s Square.

From the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the treasures of the Vatican Museums, you can experience it all with carefully curated Vatican City tours designed to bring the history of the Holy See to life.

Discover hidden gems and stories with our expert guides.