{"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":"2025-10-02T12:46:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T11:46:52","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: a hidden gem for a day trip from Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>After three trips to Rome in the past five years, I didn\u2019t think there were many new (and noteworthy) experiences to be had. So when I found out about Castel Gandolfo &#8211; essentially the <a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/castel-gandolfo-tour\/\">Pope\u2019s Summer Palace, <\/a>I was thrilled to be able to visit somewhere new and interesting.<\/p>\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<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2720 size-full\" 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=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/>\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><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Lago Albano, just outside of Rome<\/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\/#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-2\" 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-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Historical_significance\" >Historical significance\u00a0<\/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\/#FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Castel_Gandolfo\" >FAQ\u00b4s &#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-5\" 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-6\" 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-7\" 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><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/castel-gandolfo-pope-summer-palace-rome\/#Where_should_I_eat_in_Castel_Gandolfo\" >Where should I eat in Castel Gandolfo?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\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 <strong data-start=\"218\" data-end=\"257\">Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo<\/strong>, which served as a papal retreat for centuries. Since 2016, it has been open to the public as a museum.<\/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 tour<\/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<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><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>Admittedly, I did not know the Pope even had a summer palace which may be a plight of my ignorance, but I\u2019d like to think it\u2019s just not a well-known fact. The latter was supported when I arrived in Castel Gandolfo to a sleepy town of local vendors and quiet, cobbled streets; this was not the tranquil scene I associated to any property aligned with the Vatican.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>A quick stroll around the 9000-person town confirmed that our Walks tour group of twelve were the only tourists in sight. And when we entered the summer home, it felt like we were the only <em>people<\/em> in the world; enveloped by 5-square-kilometers of manicured gardens hosting the likes of 200-year-old olive trees and two white donkeys from Sardinia, just two of the many animals donated to the Pope from around the globe.<\/p>\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.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>&#8216;Why would the Pope want to open this up to tours?,&#8217; <\/em>I thought to myself. My question was answered on the tour: Pope Francis wanted to open the retreat as he didn\u2019t spend enough time at the home to keep it for himself. With the home and grounds now open for tours, ticket sales recycle back to the Vatican management, helping to support the gardens and manage the Vatican\u2019s infrastructure which has been affected by years of overtourism.<\/p>\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\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_significance\"><\/span>Historical significance\u00a0<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<p>Before entering the villa of Castel Gandolfo, we were escorted throughout the levels of the Barberini gardens via golf cart for an intimate, in-depth explanation on the emphasis of the grounds. With 55 staff members solely dedicated to the upkeep of the gardens, it is no wonder the property is straight out of an untouched movie scene.<\/p>\r\n<p>Part of the unique upkeep of the gardens revolves around original Roman remains, like cobbled streets, steps, columns and statues which transport you back in time. And water is an unmissable motif throughout the property with aqueducts, ponds, and fountains to showcase wealth and also ensure irrigation for the pristine greenery.<\/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<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\u2014Pope Benedetto and Pope Francis.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span>FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; Castel Gandolfo\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\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><strong data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"216\">How much does it cost to visit the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens?<\/strong><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><strong data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"560\">How long should I plan to spend in Castel Gandolfo?<\/strong><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><strong data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"820\">How do I get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome?<\/strong><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<h3 data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1367\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_should_I_eat_in_Castel_Gandolfo\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1123\">Where should I eat in Castel Gandolfo?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1367\">The town has plenty of family-run trattorias overlooking the lake. Specialties include <strong data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1226\">porchetta<\/strong>, handmade pasta, and local wines from the Castelli Romani region. Dining on a terrace with lake views is one of the highlights of a visit.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_21725\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21725\" class=\"wp-image-21725 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Porchetta.jpg\" alt=\"A large piece of porchetta, a roasted boneless piece of pork.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Porchetta.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Porchetta-768x463.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mouth-watering porchetta is one of the many flavors that you cannot miss. Photo credit: Pedro Angelini<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Packed full of history and cultural significance alongside natural beauty, fresh air and an escape from the Roman crowds &#8211; plus the summer home is an extension of Vatican City, so I actually got to be in two countries within my day trip &#8211; Castel Gandolfo proved that there are still parts of Italy yet to be discovered.<\/p>\r\n<p>Combine your tranquil escape with a city adventure &#8211; visit Castel Gandolfo\u2019s papal palace and gardens, then return to Rome for a deep dive into its rich history with one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/\"><strong data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"300\">Rome Tours<\/strong>.<\/a> Unlock both charm and wonder in one unforgettable trip!<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After three trips to Rome in the past five years, I didn\u2019t think there were many new (and noteworthy) experiences to be had. So when I found out about Castel Gandolfo &#8211; essentially the Pope\u2019s Summer Palace, I was thrilled to be able to visit somewhere new and interesting. Castel Gandolfo is a small, picturesque [&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":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24043,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10716\/revisions\/24043"}],"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}]}}