{"id":10716,"date":"2019-06-04T09:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T08:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=10716"},"modified":"2026-05-24T16:21:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T15:21:07","slug":"castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome","title":{"rendered":"Castel Gandolfo: Discover the Pope&#8217;s Summer Residence"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Castel Gandolfo is a small, picturesque town in the Alban Hills, about 25 km southeast of Rome.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">It\u2019s a popular <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"647\">day trip from Rome<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> because of its history, lakeside scenery, and charming medieval streets. It overlooks <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"124\">Lake Albano<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> and is famous as the traditional <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-start=\"158\" data-end=\"191\">summer residence of the popes<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">It\u2019s 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 <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vatican City tours<\/a><\/span> offer a brilliant way to connect Castel Gandolfo with the history, art, and power of the Holy See.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Why_Castel_Gandolfo_is_linked_to_Vatican_City\">Why Castel Gandolfo is linked to Vatican City<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Interesting_Facts_about_Castel_Gandolfo\">Interesting Facts about Castel Gandolfo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Historical_significance_of_Castel_Gandolfo\">Historical significance of Castel Gandolfo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#A_new_chapter_for_Castel_Gandolfo\">A new chapter for Castel Gandolfo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Visit_the_town_house_and_gardens\">Visit the town, house and gardens\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#The_Barberini_Gardens\">The Barberini Gardens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#An_insight_into_the_Pope%C2%B4s_daily_life\">An insight into the Pope\u00b4s daily life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Castel_Gandolfo\">FAQs &#8211; Castel Gandolfo\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Does_the_Pope_still_use_Castel_Gandolfo\">Does the Pope still use Castel Gandolfo?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Is_Castel_Gandolfo_part_of_Vatican_City\">Is Castel Gandolfo part of Vatican City?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_visit_the_Apostolic_Palace_and_Barberini_Gardens\">How much does it cost to visit the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#How_long_should_I_plan_to_spend_in_Castel_Gandolfo\">How long should I plan to spend in Castel Gandolfo?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#How_do_I_get_to_Castel_Gandolfo_from_Rome\">How do I get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\r\n<div id=\"attachment_2720\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2720\" class=\"wp-image-2720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Lago-Albano-flickr.jpeg\" alt=\"Albano lake and the pope's castle outside of Rome\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lago Albano, just outside of Rome<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Castel_Gandolfo_is_linked_to_Vatican_City\"><\/span>Why Castel Gandolfo is linked to <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Vatican City<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\r\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3757dfb3-0a56-4c6b-9170-ddc160aed6ea\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"2090\">Castel Gandolfo isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2092\" data-end=\"2280\">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.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_21739\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21739\" class=\"wp-image-21739 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Castel-Gandolfo-Gardens.jpg\" alt=\"Castel Gandolfo Gardens has expansive manicured gardens with statues in the background.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Castel-Gandolfo-Gardens.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Castel-Gandolfo-Gardens-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21739\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Exploring Castel Gandolfo will make you understand why it\u2019s been the Pope\u2019s summer residency. Photo credit: Carole Raddato<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"194\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interesting_Facts_about_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>Interesting Facts about Castel Gandolfo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"363\">\r\n<p data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"363\">At its heart is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.villepontificie.va\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"218\" data-end=\"257\">Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo<\/strong><\/a>, which served as a papal retreat for centuries.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"363\">\r\n<p data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"363\">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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"363\">\r\n<p data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"363\">Castel Gandolfo also has the <strong data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"543\">Vatican Observatory<\/strong> and beautiful <strong data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"579\">Barberini Gardens<\/strong>, which visitors can also take a tour of.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"364\" data-end=\"488\">The town is part of the <strong data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"409\">Castelli Romani<\/strong> area, a group of hill towns known for their wine, food, and historic villas.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Castel Gandolfo also gained global attention after appearing in the film <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-two-popes-vatican-locations?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Two Popes filming locations<\/a><\/span>, 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.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_14078\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14078\" class=\"wp-image-14078 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix film The Two Popes, counting ballots in the Sistine Chapel during the Papal Conclave\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14078\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix film The Two Popes, counting ballots in the Sistine Chapel during the Papal Conclave<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_significance_of_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>Historical significance of Castel Gandolfo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>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\u2019s summer residence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Aside from the Barberini\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_8635\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8635\" class=\"wp-image-8635 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Villa-Barberini-2.jpg\" alt=\"The gardens of the Villa Barberini in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo \" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Villa-Barberini-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Villa-Barberini-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Villa-Barberini-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8635\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The expertly manicured gardens of the Villa Barberini in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\r\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3757dfb3-0a56-4c6b-9170-ddc160aed6ea\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n<h2 data-section-id=\"rbu55c\" data-start=\"3566\" data-end=\"3602\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_new_chapter_for_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>A new chapter for Castel Gandolfo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3845\">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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3845\">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.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3845\"><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> Discover some of the other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/pope-francis\">things Pope Francis changed<\/a> during his time as pope, from Vatican traditions to everyday life inside the Holy See.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_13088\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13088\" class=\"wp-image-13088 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/RomeVatican-23-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A tour guide points out the ornate drawing to visitors on the tour\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/RomeVatican-23-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/RomeVatican-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/RomeVatican-23-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13088\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Learn more about this fascinating house and gardens.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_the_town_house_and_gardens\"><\/span>Visit the town, house and gardens\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"222\" data-end=\"494\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Castel Gandolfo<\/span><\/span> 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.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"940\">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.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"1120\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">It\u2019s the kind of place that feels far removed from the grandeur of Rome, yet is quietly connected to the heart of <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Vatican City<\/span><\/span> in the most unexpected way.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_13891\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13891\" class=\"wp-image-13891 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location.jpg\" alt=\"filming of the two popes on location in rome, italy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13891\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stroll through the gardens, which are a favourite haven of the Pope. (Image taken on location during filming of the Two Popes)<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2 data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4810\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Barberini_Gardens\"><\/span>The Barberini Gardens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4810\">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.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"4812\" data-end=\"5005\">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.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"5007\" data-end=\"5152\">Water features are another defining element, with fountains, aqueducts, and ponds shaping both the aesthetic and irrigation system of the estate.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_13917\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13917\" class=\"wp-image-13917 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010.jpg\" alt=\"castel gandolfo, the pope's residence with sprawling gardens\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13917\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Well considered symmetry makes this garden seem even more magnificent.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_insight_into_the_Pope%C2%B4s_daily_life\"><\/span>An insight into the Pope\u00b4s daily life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10718\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/IMG_8250-copy.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" \/>Moving into the home itself allows for a more historical, yet comprehendible, peek into the Pope\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Then there are the gold-gilded ceilings of the halls, a sprawling banquet table for the Pope\u2019s dignitary dining guests, the Pope\u2019s simple bedroom in comparison, and balconies with sweeping views over the gardens, Lake Albano, and on a clear day, the Mediterranean Sea.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There\u2019s also a lookout to the former helicopter pad, where for the first time in history, two Popes met, Pope Benedetto and Pope Francis.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"16\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Insider Tip:<\/strong> Alongside the charm of <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Castel Gandolfo<\/span><\/span>, the city of Rome is full of hidden gems. Take a look at our guide to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/alternative-things-to-do-rome\">alternative things to see in Rome<\/a><\/strong> for a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_8663\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8663\" class=\"wp-image-8663 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/02-Ville-Pontificie-Giardini.jpg\" alt=\"A building and 3 statues in the gardens of Castel Gandolfo\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/02-Ville-Pontificie-Giardini.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/02-Ville-Pontificie-Giardini-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8663\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Getting out of the city and touring the gardens surrounding Castel Gandolfo is a pleasure<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Castel Gandolfo\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1018\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_Pope_still_use_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>Does the Pope still use Castel Gandolfo?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1252\">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.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1303\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Castel_Gandolfo_part_of_Vatican_City\"><\/span>Is Castel Gandolfo part of Vatican City?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1304\" data-end=\"1625\">Not geographically. <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Castel Gandolfo<\/span><\/span> 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 <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Vatican City<\/span><\/span> history and administration.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"503\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_visit_the_Apostolic_Palace_and_Barberini_Gardens\"><\/span>How much does it cost to visit the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"503\">Tickets vary depending on what you want to see. Entry to the Apostolic Palace is around \u20ac11, while a combined ticket with the Barberini Gardens costs about \u20ac26. Guided tours and golf cart tours of the gardens are slightly more. Audio guides are also available for a small extra fee.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"772\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_I_plan_to_spend_in_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>How long should I plan to spend in Castel Gandolfo?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"772\">Most visitors allow at least <strong data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"605\">3 &#8211; 4 hours<\/strong> 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 <strong data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"759\">full-day trip<\/strong> from Rome.<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"1079\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_to_Castel_Gandolfo_from_Rome\"><\/span>How do I get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"1079\">The easiest option is the regional train from <strong data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"885\">Roma Termini<\/strong> to Castel Gandolfo station, which takes about <strong data-start=\"932\" data-end=\"946\">40 minutes<\/strong>. From the station, it\u2019s a 15-minute uphill walk into town. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour or drive (around 45 minutes).<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_11934\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11934\" class=\"wp-image-11934 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Visiting-the-Vatican-e1733992627141.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting the Vatican Museums\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-11934\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Vatican Museums house a total of fifty four separate collections!<\/p><\/div>\r\n<p><strong>Ready to discover Castel Gandolfo and Vatican City for yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2560\">If you\u2019re 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\u2019s Square.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2789\">From the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the treasures of the Vatican Museums, you can experience it all with carefully curated <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Vatican City tours<\/strong><\/a><\/span> designed to bring the history of the Holy See to life.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2789\"><strong>Discover hidden gems and stories with our expert guides.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Castel Gandolfo is a small, picturesque town in the Alban Hills, about 25 km southeast of Rome.\u00a0 It\u2019s 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.\u00a0 It\u2019s also one of the most [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[66,18,19],"ppma_author":[155],"class_list":["post-10716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-day-trips","tag-rome","tag-vatican"],"authors":[{"term_id":155,"user_id":3,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly","display_name":"Walks of Italy","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f4cd4dd0c5ab4b4bae57f3500298e23?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog","last_name":"of Italy","first_name":"Walks","job_title":"","description":"Walks began life as the passion project of two guys with one simple mission: To share their love for, and knowledge of, the city of Rome. Since then, Walks has grown into a team of over 100 ground staff and at any time up to 600 guides, operating across 13 of the world\u2019s most exciting cities (and counting!)\r\n\r\nToday we provide some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the industry through Italy-based Walks of Italy and around the world at Walks, where we offer special access to some of the world\u2019s most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10716"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10716"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25474,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10716\/revisions\/25474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10716"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=10716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}