Castel Gandolfo, Italy skyline: the 12 most iconic buildings and best views in Castel Gandolfo

Magical gardens! Straight out of a fairytale! Please do book the guided tour!

Off limits

(Translated by Google) A simple park, the impression is that it is not too well looked after (Original) Un semplice parco, l'impressione è che non sia troppo curato

(Translated by Google) Villa Barberini... Frescoes of popes and "four" rooms for about ten euros seems like a steal to me. The nice thing is the friendliness of the guys who work there. (Original) Villa Barberini... Affreschi di papi e "quattro" stanze per una decina di euro mi pare un furto. Di bello però c'è la cordialità dei ragazzi che ivi lavorano.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful, well-kept gardens. Wonderful atmosphere. (Original) Bellissimi giardini curati. Bellissima atmosfera

(Translated by Google) These gardens have been open to visitors for a relatively short time. They are fabulous, they take you on a little white papal train and in few places you can get off. It is the garden where the Pope's food is grown, there is a garden, olive trees, animals, among other things. The gardens are impeccably maintained and was the place of papal walks until 2015. The entrance costs approximately €26 and the visit is in Italian. To be in English, approximately 15 people must meet. Fabulous! (Original) Estos jardines pueden visitarse desde hace relativamente poco tiempo. son fabulosos te llevan en un trencito papal blanco y en pocos lugares se puede descender. Es el jardin donde se cultivan los alimentos del papa hay huerta olivos animales entre otras cosas. Los jardines estan impecablemente cuidados y era el lugar de caminatas papales hasta 2015. La entrada cuesta aproximadamente 26 € la visita es en idioma italiano. Para ser en ingles se deben reunir 15 personas aprox. Fabuloso!

(Translated by Google) Villa Barberini cannot be visited inside (Original) Villa Barberini non si può visitare all interno

Beautiful church that is open even until dinner time. We brought our family here to pray and admire the general splendour of architecture.

Very nice small square with cute places and a nice view of the lake. You will be breathless

The church is charming though a bit overwrought, but the view from the street behind the church is the best in the area.

Quick stop while in the village to admire the flooring ceiling and the artwork. Very peaceful and quiet location amongst the busy street of Castel Gandolfo. The church is located on the main tourist strip next to the tourist office and on the large plaza. There's parking available right down the road as well.

Simply splendid! A "small" Bernini triumph

Attended very peaceful Sunday Mass

Simple yet beautiful

There is nothing better than gazing into the heavens our wonderful God created for us.

By invitation only, the Vatican Observatory is a fascinating place to visit for its history, location, and importance. Run by priests who are also scientists. Four magnificent telescopes including 'Carte du Ciel'. They are working on a museum/interpretation building (as of March 2018), that hopes to be open to the public in the future.

Why are they not discussing what it is they spotted during the first week of November 2019 coming on a collision course with earth? Rumours and speculation attributed to my review, obvious disoccurrence attributed to my edit of this review.

Honored to have visited this site. Gorgeous view. Unbelievable gardens!

Always visit Castel Gandolfo when I come to Rome. Hopefully graduate stuidents from China are being invited to the annual scientific workshops at the Gandolfo Observatory and the Vatican Observatory in Tuson Arizona. Scientists from these Observatories can also be invited to Chinese installations as a peace and reconciliation exercise to cool down the current trade and investment wars against China.

Beautiful place. Great friendly people.

Great tour of the gardens.

(Translated by Google) Goethe "Italian Journey" October 6, 1787 - October 24, 1787 Castel Gandolfo Villeggiatura in Castel Gandolfo At the beginning of this month, in mild, thoroughly cheerful, and glorious weather, we enjoyed a formal villeggiatura in Castel Gandolfo, which initiated and naturalized us into the heart of this incomparable region. Mr. Jenkins, the wealthy English art dealer, lived there in a very stately building, the former residence of the Jesuit General, where a number of friends lacked neither rooms for comfortable accommodation, nor halls for cheerful gatherings, nor arcades for lively strolls. One can best understand such an autumn stay by thinking of it as a stay at a spa. People who have the slightest connection to one another are instantly transported by chance into close proximity. Breakfast and lunch, walks, pleasure parties, serious and playful conversation quickly create acquaintance and trust; it would be a miracle if, especially here, where not even illness and treatment provide any kind of diversion, here in the most complete idleness, the most decided elective affinities did not immediately emerge. Hofrat Reiffenstein had thought it a good idea, and rightly so, that we should leave early in order to find the necessary time for our walks and other artistic excursions into the mountains before the swarm of people pressed forward and invited us to participate in communal entertainment. We were the first to arrive and did not fail to take a practical look around the area, following the guidance of our experienced guide, and reaped the most wonderful pleasures and lessons. After some time, I saw a very pretty Roman neighbor, who lived not far from us in the Corso, coming up with her mother. Since my lordship, they had both responded to my greetings more cordially than usual, yet I had not spoken to them, even though I often passed them close enough when they were sitting outside the door in the evenings; for I had remained completely faithful to my vow not to allow such circumstances to deter me from my main purpose. But now we suddenly found ourselves like completely old acquaintances; that concert provided enough material for our first conversation, and there is perhaps nothing more pleasant than a Roman woman of that kind who lets herself go cheerfully in natural conversation and quickly yet clearly expresses a lively attention directed toward pure reality, a participation with a graceful reference to herself in the melodious Roman language; and indeed in a noble dialect that elevates even the middle class above itself and lends a certain nobility to the most natural, indeed to the common. These qualities and characteristics were familiar to me, but I had never heard them expressed in such an ingratiating sequence. At the same time, they introduced me to a young Milanese woman they had brought with them, the sister of a clerk belonging to Mr. Jenkins, a young man who was highly favored by his employer for his skill and integrity. They seemed to be closely connected and friends. These two beauties—for one could truly call them beautiful—were in contrast, not sharply, but nevertheless decisively: the Roman woman had dark brown hair, the Milanese light brown; the former had a brown complexion, the latter clear, with delicate skin; the latter, at the same time, had almost blue eyes, the former with brown; the Roman woman was somewhat serious and reserved, the Milanese woman of an open, not so much appealing as inquiring nature. I was sitting between the two women at a kind of lottery game and had shared the money with the Roman woman; in the course of the game, it happened that I also tried my luck with the Milanese woman through betting or something else. (...) (Original) Goethe "Italienische Reise" 06.10.1787 - 24.10.1787 Castel Gandolfo Villeggiatur in Castel Gandolfo Zu Anfang dieses Monats bei mildem, durchaus heiterem, herrlichem Wetter genossen wir eine förmliche Villeggiatur in Castel Gandolfo, wodurch wir uns denn in die Mitte dieser unvergleichlichen Gegend eingeweiht und eingebürgert sahen. Herr Jenkins, der wohlhabende englische Kunsthändler, bewohnte daselbst ein sehr stattliches Gebäude, den ehemaligen Wohnsitz des Jesuitergenerals, wo es einer Anzahl von Freunden weder an Zimmern zu bequemer Wohnung, noch an Sälen zu heiterem Beisammensein, noch an Bogengängen zu munterem Lustwandel fehlte. Man kann sich von einem solchen Herbstaufenthalte den besten Begriff machen, wenn man sich ihn wie den Aufenthalt an einem Badorte gedenkt. Personen ohne den mindesten Bezug aufeinander werden durch Zufall augenblicklich in die unmittelbarste Nähe versetzt. Frühstück und Mittagessen, Spaziergänge, Lustpartien, ernst- und scherzhafte Unterhaltung bewirken schnell Bekanntschaft und Vertraulichkeit; da es denn ein Wunder wäre, wenn, besonders hier, wo nicht einmal Krankheit und Kur eine Art von Diversion macht, hier im vollkommensten Müßiggange, sich nicht die entschiedensten Wahlverwandtschaften zunächst hervortun sollten. Hofrat Reiffenstein hatte für gut befunden, und zwar mit Recht, daß wir zeitig hinausgehen sollten, um zu unseren Spaziergängen und sonstigen artistischen Wanderungen ins Gebirg die nötige Zeit zu finden, ehe noch der Schwall der Gesellschaft sich herandrängte und uns zur Teilnahme an gemeinschaftlicher Unterhaltung aufforderte. Wir waren die ersten und versäumten nicht, uns in der Gegend, nach Anleitung des erfahrenen Führers, zweckmäßig umzusehen, und ernteten davon die schönsten Genüsse und Belehrungen. Nach einiger Zeit sah ich eine gar hübsche römische Nachbarin, nicht weit von uns im Korso wohnend, mit ihrer Mutter heraufkommen. Sie hatten beide seit meiner Mylordschaft meine Begrüßungen freundlicher als sonst erwidert, doch hatte ich sie nicht angesprochen, ob ich gleich an ihnen, wenn sie abends vor der Tür saßen, öfters nah genug vorbeiging; denn ich war dem Gelübde, mich durch dergleichen Verhältnisse von meinem Hauptzwecke nicht abhalten zu lassen, vollkommen treu geblieben. Nun aber fanden wir uns auf einmal wie völlig alte Bekannte; jenes Konzert gab Stoff genug zur ersten Unterhaltung, und es ist wohl nichts angenehmer als eine Römerin der Art, die sich in natürlichem Gespräch heiter gehen läßt und ein lebhaftes, auf die reine Wirklichkeit gerichtetes Aufmerken, eine Teilnahme mit anmutigem Bezug auf sich selbst in der wohlklingenden römischen Sprache schnell, doch deutlich vorträgt; und zwar in einer edlen Mundart, die auch die mittlere Klasse über sich selbst erhebt und dem Allernatürlichsten, ja dem Gemeinen einen gewissen Adel verleiht. Diese Eigenschaften und Eigenheiten waren mir zwar bekannt, aber ich hatte sie noch nie in einer so einschmeichelnden Folge vernommen. Zu gleicher Zeit stellten sie mich einer jungen Mailänderin vor, die sie mitgebracht hatten, der Schwester eines Kommis von Herrn Jenkins, eines jungen Mannes, der wegen Fertigkeit und Redlichkeit bei seinem Prinzipal in großer Gunst stand. Sie schienen genau miteinander verbunden und Freundinnen zu sein. Diese beiden Schönen, denn schön durfte man sie wirklich nennen, standen in einem nicht schroffen, aber doch entschiedenen Gegensatz; dunkelbraune Haare die Römerin, hellbraune die Mailänderin; jene braun von Gesichtsfarbe, diese klar, von zarter Haut; diese zugleich mit fast blauen Augen, jene mit braunen; die Römerin einigermaßen ernst, zurückhaltend, die Mailänderin von einem offnen, nicht sowohl ansprechenden, als gleichsam anfragenden Wesen. Ich saß bei einer Art Lottospiel zwischen beiden Frauenzimmern und hatte mit der Römerin Kasse zusammen gemacht; im Laufe des Spiels fügte es sich nun, daß ich auch mit der Mailänderin mein Glück versuchte durch Wetten oder sonst. (...)

(Translated by Google) Important Catholic church built on the remains of the Nymphaeum of the Villa of Emperor Domitian from the 1st century AD. A hidden wonder in the town of Albano Laziale. A must-see. (Original) Importante chiesa cattolica eretta sui resti del Ninfeo della Villa dell'imperatore Domiziano del I secolo dC. Una meraviglia nascosta nel Paese di Albano Laziale. Assolutamente da visitare.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful church where only weddings are held, no longer masses.. Our guide Angelo never stopped praising it as if it were the end of the world and he is absolutely right. It's a shame that buildings have been built on both sides that don't benefit it.. the exterior as you can see in the photos is of rare beauty. Interiors full of Byzantine frescoes and mosaics. Recommended 👏👏 (Original) Bellissima chiesa dove si tengono solo i matrimoni non più le messe .. La nostra guida Angelo non a mai smesso di lodarla come fosse la fine del mondo e ha proprio ragione. Peccato che si sono costruiti ai ambo due latti delle palazzine che nn la vantaggiano .. esterno come vedete nelle foto di una rara bellezza. Interni ricchi di affreschi e mosaici bizantini.consigliata 👏👏

(Translated by Google) The sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda is the most important place of Catholic worship in the city of Albano Laziale, in the province of Rome, in the Castelli Romani area. The sanctuary occupies an ancient round building of Roman construction dating back to the 1st century, linked to the villa of Domitian in Castel Gandolfo, which was once a nymphaeum or, according to other hypotheses, a temple. The building was converted to Christian use at the time of Constantine the Great or in the period between the 9th and 11th centuries. Probably managed in the first centuries of its existence by Byzantine rite religious, it was governed by Augustinian nuns from the 14th century until 1444 and was later assigned to the Girolamini religious of the Basilica of Saints Boniface and Alexis on the Aventine in Rome, who held it until 1663, the year in which the sanctuary was purchased by the suburban diocese of Albano for the purpose of installing the episcopal seminary there. Between 1708 and 1799, the direction of the seminary and the sanctuary passed to the Scolopi fathers. Since then, the sanctuary has been diocesan property and is aggregated to the parish of the cathedral basilica of San Pancrazio. Today it is listed among the protected architectural monuments of Lazio. (Original) Il santuario di Santa Maria della Rotonda è il più importante luogo di culto cattolico della città di Albano Laziale, in provincia di Roma, nell'area dei Castelli Romani. Il santuario occupa un antico edificio rotondo di costruzione romana risalente al I secolo, ricollegabile alla villa di Domiziano a Castel Gandolfo, che fu anticamente un ninfeo o, secondo altre ipotesi, un tempio. L'edificio venne convertito ad uso cristiano all'epoca di Costantino il Grande o nel periodo tra il IX e l'XI secolo. Probabilmente gestito nei primi secoli della sua esistenza da religiosi di rito bizantino, fu retto da suore agostiniane dal Trecento fino al 1444 e in seguito venne assegnato ai religiosi girolamini della basilica dei Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio all'Aventino in Roma, che lo tennero fino al 1663, anno in cui il santuario fu acquistato dalla diocesi suburbicaria di Albano allo scopo di installarvi il seminario vescovile. Tra il 1708 ed il 1799 la direzione del seminario e del santuario passò ai padri Scolopi. Da allora, il santuario è di proprietà diocesana ed è aggregato alla parrocchia della basilica cattedrale di San Pancrazio. Oggi è schedato tra i monumenti architettonici tutelati del Lazio.

(Translated by Google) A site of particular beauty and artistic interest. A classic example of spoliation, the Church, which has the same conceptual form as the Pantheon in Rome, about 1/6 the size of the latter, was built on an ancient nymphaeum from the time of Domitian or, it is presumed, on a termarium. In fact, at the entrance you will find ancient mosaics which were originally found inside the site. The few remaining frescoes are, in my opinion, very suggestive and pay homage to the Madonna. Hidden from visitors, an ancient fresco and Roman epigraph (Original) Un sito di particolare bellezza ed interesse artistico. Classico esempio di spoliazione, la Chiesa, che ha la stessa forma concettuale del Pantheon di Roma, grande circa 1/6 di quest'ultimo, fu costruita su un antico ninfeo dell'epoca di Domiziano o, si presume, su un termarium. All'ingresso infatti troverete antichi i mosaici che, in origine, si trovavano invece, all'interno del sito. I pochi affreschi rimasti sono, a mio parere, molto suggestivi e rendono omaggio alla Madonna. Celati ai visitatori, un antico affresco ed epigrafe romane

(Translated by Google) Place to visit for the history of which it is part. The church was built on Roman thermal baths and it is exciting to discover these ancient origins of a town so close to Rome and full of finds and archaeological sites of immense value. (Original) Luogo da visitare per la storia di cui è parte. La chiesa è stata costruita su vasche termali romane ed è emozionante scoprire queste origini così antiche di una cittadina così vicina a Roma e carica di reperti e siti archeologici di immenso valore.

(Translated by Google) An important Marian sanctuary in Lazio, located in the city of Albano Laziale. In September 2008 Pope Benedict XVI went on a pastoral visit and consecrated the new high altar, installed during the restoration work of the same year. The square, reserved from traffic and city noise, in summer lends itself well to the organization of interesting cultural events. (Original) Un importante santuario mariano del Lazio, situato nella città di Albano Laziale. Nel settembre del 2008 papa Benedetto XVI vi si è recato in visita pastorale consacrando il nuovo altare maggiore, installato durante i lavori di restauro dello stesso anno. La piazza, riservata dal traffico e dal chiasso cittadino, in estate si presta bene all'organizzazione di interessanti eventi culturali.

(Translated by Google) The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda is a Catholic place of worship in the town of Albano Laziale. It was initially built in the first century AD as a Villa of Domitian or a Nymphaeum. The building was converted for Christian use during the reign of Constantine the Great. It is one of the few surviving buildings from that era. And one of the most beautiful places to see in the city of Albano. (Original) Il Santuario della Santa Maria della Rotonda e un luogo di culto cattolico della cittadina di Albano Laziale. Fu costruita inizialmente nel primo secolo dopo Cristo come una Villa di Domiziano o di un Ninfeo. L'edificio viene convertito ad uso cristiano durante il regno del Costantino il Grande. E una delle poche edifici a sopravvivere di quell'epoca. E uno dei luoghi più belli da vedere nella città di Albano.

(Translated by Google) The site should be valorised. And abandoned to himself! The park would be very nice. There are mosaics left to the elements! (Original) Io sito andrebbe valorizzato. E abbandonato a se stesso! Il parco sarebbe molto bello. Ci sono mosaici lasciati alle intemperie!

(Translated by Google) Villa Doria in Albano, here are the remains of the ancient villa of Pompey the Great, you can walk among the remains of the villa scattered here and there, columns, walls, caves and troughs, even the ruins of the baths of the ancient villa, it is an all-round museum It's open, a beautiful place with lots of greenery and many centuries-old pine, fir and oak trees, a place to see! (Original) Villa Doria ad Albano, qui ci sono i resti dell'antica villa di Pompeo Magno, si passeggia tra i resti della villa sparsi quà e là, colonne mura grotte e abbeveratoi, anche i ruderi delle terme dell'antica villa, é un museo all'aperto, un bel posto con tanto verde e tanti alberi pini abeti e quercie secolari, un posto da vedere!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and prestigious villa. It could be a little more tidy. But it is a place that absolutely must be visited (Original) Villa bella e prestigiosa. Potrebbe essere un po' più curata. Ma è un luogo che va assolutamente visitato

(Translated by Google) A lot of decay, people left bottles and dirt. There is no control by Cultural Heritage. Sin. (Original) Molto degrado, gente ha lasciato bottiglie e sporcizia. Non c'è controllo da parte dei Beni Culturali. Peccato.

(Translated by Google) Too much dog feces,,,gymkhana (Original) Troppe feci di cani,,,gincana

(Translated by Google) The museum is being reorganized, there are no tags on the works, all of which have been moved. You don't understand what you're looking at, whose and what period the objects belong to. They tell me they are remaking them due to errors in the English translation. There may be two guides, or a priest or the director of the museum, a very smart person. The priest does not know the collections on display, and therefore I do not recommend visiting with him. The most interesting piece on my wall is Liszt's palliotto, exhibited here. (Original) Il museo e' in riallestimento, non ci sono i cartellini sulle opere, tutte spostate. Non si capisce cosa si guarda, di chi e a che periodo appartengono gli oggetti. Mi dicono che li stanno rifacendo a causa di errori nella traduzione in inglese. Possono capitare due guide, o un sacerdote o il direttore del museo, persona molto in gamba. Il sacerdote non conosce le collezioni esposte, e quindi la visita con lui la sconsiglio. Il pezzo piu' interessante, a mio parete, è il palliotto di Liszt, esposto qui.

(Translated by Google) More than positive experience. The Museum is managed by volunteers who created the various exhibition rooms with great care and dedication. A journey into the history of the Bishopric of Albano Laziale, of which I was unaware of the importance it held and still holds today. You will be welcomed in a pleasant and professional way by the Director of the Museum Roberto Libera. (Original) Esperienza più che positiva. Il Museo è gestito da volontari che con molta cura e dedizione hanno creato le varie stanze espositive. Un viaggio nella Storia del Vescovato di Albano Laziale, di cui ignoravo l'importanza che ricopriva e ricopre ancora oggi. Sarete accolti in modo piacevole e professionale dal Direttore del Museo Roberto Libera.

(Translated by Google) Excellent museum which illustrates on three floors and with external sites and complexes, such as the Catacombs of S. Senatore or the Church of the Rotonda, among others in the park, the history of the faith of the Christians of the Albanian Diocese, starting from the 3rd century and arriving to today. Professionalism and events contribute to greater participation of the public and professionals. (Original) Ottimo museo che illustra su tre piani e con siti e plessi esterni, come le Catacombe di S. Senatore o la Chiesa della Rotonda, tra gli altri del parco, la storia della fede dei cristiani della Diocesi Albanese, partendo dal secolo 3° e arrivando ai giorni odierni. Professionalità e eventi contribuiscono a una maggiore partecipazione di pubblico e di professionisti.

(Translated by Google) We found it closed at the time indicated on the site. They could have advertised the extraordinary closures! (Original) Lo abbiamo trovato chiuso nell'orario indicato sul sito. Avrebbero potuto pubblicizzare le chiusure straordinarie!

(Translated by Google) A big leap in quality thanks to the new director. Museum which, in terms of quantity and quality of cultural offerings (events, conferences, seminars, historical-artistic itineraries, etc.) rivals - often excelling - the civic museums of the area. In fact, the liveliest intellectual and cultural center of Albano. (Original) Un grande salto di qualità grazie al nuovo direttore. Museo che, per quantità e qualità dell'offerta culturale (eventi, convegni, seminari, percorsi storico-artistici ecc.) rivaleggia - spesso primeggiando - con i musei civici del territorio. Di fatto, il centro intellettuale e culturale più vivo di Albano.

(Translated by Google) Evaluation with reference only to the staff, I sent a preventive email therefore before the indicated date to ask for information regarding a personal exhibition from 4 to 26 June, it ends in two days and I still have not received a polite reply, of course there are a thousand other ways to find information but if it gives me so much it is better to stay away from those who are idle... I would like to underline that there are people out there who, despite being unemployed, do much more with volunteering, clearly this is a judgment based on what appears from the outside, that is, a total disinterest towards those who intend to actively participate in this type of initiative (Original) Valutazione in riferimento al solo personale, ho mandato una email preventiva quindi prima della data indicata per chiedere informazioni in merito ad una mostra personale dal 4 al 26 giugno,tra due giorni termina e tutt'ora non ho ricevuto un cortese cenno di risposta, certo ci sono altri mille modi per trovare informazioni ma se tanto mi dà tanto è meglio stare alla larga da chi ozia...ci tengo a sottolineare che la fuori ci sono persone che pur essendo disoccupate si danno da fare molto di più con il volontariato, chiaramente questo è un giudizio basato su quello che traspare dall'esterno ovvero un disinteresse totale verso coloro che intendono partecipare attivamente a questo genere di iniziative

(Translated by Google) Too bad it's closed from August 3rd to September 3rd, with no reports on the site, to find out we went up to the gates only to find them closed. (Original) Peccato sia chiuso dal 3 agosto al 3 settembre, senza segnalazioni sul sito, per scoprirlo siamo giunti fino ai cancelli per poi trovarli chiusi.

May 2025. Beautiful view of Lago Albano

Nice view of the lake. Great for pictures!

Must pic point

Wanderful wiew

We're enjoying Lunch!!!

Nice

(Translated by Google) This is the best vantage point for enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Albano and the surrounding area. You can linger here and take photos. If you plan to stay for dinner, keep in mind that a significant portion of the price of a trattoria with a lake view is charged for the lake view. (Original) Bester Viewpoint, um den schönen Blick auf den Albaner See und die Umgebung zu genießen. Hier kann man sich länger aufhalten und Fotos machen. Wer vorhat zum Essen zu bleiben, sollte bei den Trattorie mit Seeblick immer bedenken, dass ein nicht unerheblicher Teil für den Seeblick bezahlt wird.

Nothing to see

(Translated by Google) The place would be very interesting, if it were usable. But there is no information, neither on the Internet nor is it provided when you write to the park authority that manages it. The visit is useless, because it is not visible from the road. (Original) Il luogo sarebbe molto interessante, se fosse fruibile. Ma non ci sono informazioni, nè su Internet nè vengono fornite, quando si scrive all'ente parco che lo gestisce. Inutile la visita, perché dalla strada non è visibile.

(Translated by Google) A truly unique place.. great for a walk.. an extraordinary view (Original) Un posto veramente unico.. ottimo per una passeggiata.. un panorama straordinario

(Translated by Google) I couldn't visit it because it's always closed. (Original) Non l'ho potuto visitare perché è sempre chiuso.

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful beautiful landscape (Original) Molto bello un bel paesaggio

(Translated by Google) Wild with a stunning view (Original) Selvaggio con vista stupenda

The Palazzo Pontificio in Rome refers to one of the grand papal palaces historically associated with the administration and ceremonial functions of the Pope. While the most famous papal residence is the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Palazzo Pontificio in Rome itself typically refers to buildings that housed papal offices, residences for high-ranking clergy, or the papal nuncio (the Pope’s diplomatic representative). Architecturally, these palaces often exhibit Renaissance or Baroque styles, with imposing façades, symmetrical layouts, and richly decorated interiors. Grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and ornate halls convey the authority and prestige of the papacy, while chapels and private apartments within the palaces reflect both the spiritual and residential functions of these buildings. Marble columns, intricate stuccos, and classical motifs such as pilasters and pediments emphasize their connection to Roman grandeur and ecclesiastical tradition. Historically, the Palazzo Pontificio in Rome served as a hub for papal administration, including the management of Church affairs, diplomatic correspondence, and reception of dignitaries. It was also a center for cultural patronage: many palaces commissioned works from prominent artists, sculptors, and architects to decorate halls, chapels, and courtyards, turning them into showcases of papal power and taste. Today, the Palazzo Pontificio stands as a symbol of the temporal and spiritual authority of the papacy, reflecting centuries of papal history in the heart of Rome. Some sections may still be used for Church administration, ceremonial functions, or diplomatic purposes, while others are accessible to visitors interested in exploring the artistic and historical legacy of the Roman Catholic Church.

Our tour of the Secret Garden and Private Spaces in the Papal Palace was amazing. Our guide was personable and an engaging and enthusiastic expert on the history and institution. We purchased tickets through the official Vatican website. Arrived and departed Castel Gandolfo via Uber with no trouble. A refreshing day trip outside of Rome to experience the countryside, the Pope’s have enjoyed it too! Very generous of recent Popes to share this beautiful place with the public.

We parked on the main road in the CastelGandolfo carpark, and walked through to the main Piazza where you can gain admittance, it took about 10 minutes. You enter into the gardens and from there, up some steps into the Palace. My wife was interested in the paintings and artefacts, while I loved the pen portraits on each painting. I was amazed by how short some of their papacy's were. Some looked suited for the job, others may have had Daddy's help The views from the windows are stunning Well worth 2 hours and €10 each

The Papal Palace at Castel Gandolfo, located about 25km of Rome, has long served as the summer residence of the popes, although Francis did break with this tradition. It was built on top of the ruins of a Roman villa, belonging to Emperor Domitian, in the 17th century by Pope Urban VIII. It surrounded by the scenic Alban Hills and overlooks Lake Albano. The complex includes extensive gardens and beautifully furnished apartments that reflect centuries of papal history. In 2016, Pope Francis opened the palace and its gardens to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to explore the papal apartments, private chapel, and art collections that illustrate the daily life and legacy of the popes who once resided there. Its really worth visiting, only €12 entry and make sure you leave plenty of time to wander down to the lake too.

A nice experience, would recommend. 1 hour should be plenty and the entrance cost isn't too bad. The views from the terrace are breathtaking!

Castel Gandolfo — the Pope’s summer residence, now open to visitors. Surrounded by gardens and overlooking a volcanic lake, it offers a glimpse into centuries of papal history and breathtaking views of the Roman countryside.

It is the Pope's Summer Residence. It displayed history of the Popes. Their collection of what previous pope's wore ,their bed etc. It is worth a visit