The Papal Palace and Gardens of Castel Gandolfo are located about 25 kilometers southeast of Rome, overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Albano. Traditionally used as the summer residence for popes, the estate includes the Apostolic Palace, the Bar... read moreberini Gardens, and the Vatican Observatory. In 2016, Pope Francis opened the grounds to the public, transforming them into a cultural site. As of July 2025, Pope Leo XIV has resumed summer stays in the Villa Barberini, while the main palace remains open as a museum.

Visitors to the estate can explore several notable areas. The Apostolic Palace features papal apartments, including the pope’s bedroom, private chapel, and displays of papal garments and ceremonial vehicles. The Barberini Gardens are celebrated for their Renaissance and Baroque landscaping, complete with fountains, sculptures, and remnants of Emperor Domitian’s villa. Also within the grounds is the Vatican Observatory, which has played a key role in astronomical research since the 1930s.

The site is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM, and on the last Sunday of the month from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Tickets are available for general admission and at reduced rates for children and students. Tours can be self-guided or led by professional guides, with audio options in several languages. Castel Gandolfo can be reached by train from Rome’s Termini Station in about 40 minutes, or by car or bus. The palace and gardens offer a peaceful and historic escape from the bustle of the city.