Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
4.5
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission tickets
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$16.04
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- SusiiTurin, Italy41 contributionsVery niceBeautiful castle reachable with a bit of a walk after leaving the car. The visit to the interior of the castle is divided into two parts. In the first there is an exhibition with paintings and explanations about the life of the popes or other objects of the pontiffs, in the second the apartments are visited. Everything is enriched by the possibility of listening to explanations with the audio guide provided at the entrance. As regards the exterior, the visit to the castle focuses on the secret garden, that is, the garden in which the pontiff is most protected and is not seen by practically anyone. Cute little garden. Very professional, but also helpful and kind staff. Wonderful visitVisited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 30, 2024
- G_astronomo68Monza, Italy3,539 contributionsJust the palace.From Grottaferrata the tour was , Castelgandolfo - Ariccia - Nemi Without running, half a day. Excluding gardens, of course. We made tickets, directly there to enter the summer residence of the popes. Zero queue, early August. The audio guide is useful, although it is more interesting to hear the anecdotes of the various guards who accompany you in small groups. In fact , the tour is still compulsory , but with correct timing . The place is worth a visit. Opulence. 😎 Clean bathrooms near the ticket office. Average price .Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Fede MMonteriggioni, Italy953 contributionsServed as the PopeAs soon as I entered I was greeted by the imposing security service and kindly accompanied by golf cart to the gardens because they are located on a lower level than the Pontifical Palace and to reach them you have to travel a long road on a steep slope. The museum is spread over two floors. On the ground floor we have portraits of all the popes who stayed at Castel Gandolfo, while on the first floor there are private apartments. The Palace is completely accessible thanks to one of the first elevators built in the early 1900s. There is also the possibility to go out on the terrace overlooking Lake Albano and from which you can enjoy a beautiful view. A heartfelt thanks to all the staff who allowed me to visit this beautiful place.Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten October 2, 2024
- IrinaH1Kyiv, Ukraine84 contributionsPontifical Villas of Castel GandolfoIf you need a break from overcrowded Rome, you can go to the Pope's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. It's best to drive on your own, without a group tour. It takes less than an hour. You can buy a ticket on the Vatican Museums website or at the box office near the residence itself. Nice place, with beautiful views of Lake Albano. The villa itself looks quite modest compared to other palaces and villas in Italy. No museum feel. Nice gardens. Staff members unobtrusively escort the gardens and rooms. The town itself is cozy and pleasant, and to add positive emotions after visiting the palace it is worth having lunch and drink espresso/cappuccino/wine in one of the restaurants overlooking the lake.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten November 14, 2024
- Seeing Is BelievingSingapore, Singapore31 contributionsCastel Gandolfo & Tivoli Gardens, Italy - visit on 6 July 2007Castel Gandolfo, in Italy is truly a very beautiful place - it is out of this world, a place I will always remember for the rest of my life! One Summer morning - on Friday 6 July 2007, my friend brought me on a day visit to Castel Gandolfo - we had travelled from Rome & it was a lovely refreshing trip out of the city of Rome... Upon arrival, the very first sight which caught my eyes was Lago Albano - it is a very large beautiful blue lake shimmering in the golden sunlight! It was truly breathtaking! Who would have imagined that Lago Albano was formerly a volcano ..it's now such a beautiful lake - too enchanting to behold on my first visit & thereafter! The food served at the restaurants are simply Heavenly, with fresh seafood paired with wines! We then visited Villa d'Este at Tivoli - it was another heaven on earth Paradise! The palace & the Gardens were of Renaissance culture at its epitome, together with its architectural excellence - the Fountains, ornamental basins etc - it was an unique example of an Italian Garden in the 16th Century. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deo Gratias. I am truly honoured to have visited the magnificent Castel Gandolfo & to have experience the wonderful charms & splendour of this very beautiful old fashioned Italian Garden at Tivoli!Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 13, 2025
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Daniela-Carlo_Udine
Udine, Italy4,643 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Pope Francis has opened to the public the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, so dear to his predecessors Benedict XVI and John Paul II. Overlooking Lake Albano, this resistance enjoys the extra territoriality of the Holy See, and is even larger than the Vatican itself. The visit route is divided into the palace, where you can also visit the private papal apartments and the gardens of Villa Cybo. The residence, heavily renovated after the signing of the Lateran pacts, is all in all quite "simple", with the exception of the polychrome marble floors. The visit to the garden can be done either on foot, accompanied by a person who briefly explains what you are seeing, lasting about 1.5 hours or by bus, lasting 50 minutes. We opted for the first option and were extremely satisfied, of course the tour is a little shorter and all in all you have to "keep up", but breathing the air scented by the plants is priceless. The immense garden partially incorporates the much larger villa of the emperor Septimius Severus, with important remains of the theater and the crypto portico with an elegant coffered ceiling.

Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ennio M.
Imola, Italy2,797 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
My wife, I and 5 year old daughter both visited the gardens by bus and visited the pontifical palace. Everything costs €27 per person with the child free. The tour of the gardens is very nice, even on a cloudy and sunless day they are beautiful. The building isn't bad either, very interesting

Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rc
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Castel Gandolfo is a beautiful town of the Roman castles, full of breathtaking views, as soon as you arrive in the square you perceive the beauty and majesty of the place.
From the central square you enter the beautiful, sumptuous pontifical palace.
The visit was very interesting in the historical part where you can admire the various paintings of the popes over the centuries, then, having arrived in the private rooms of the Popes, a guide, hasty and voiceless, made us visit these rooms very quickly.
Always with the minutes counted, a small tourist bus literally flew us through the palace gardens, making us take photos from the bus, with the explanation left to the interactive guide.
It would have been very nice to be able to take a walk in the garden while also being able to admire the view from where, in the distance, you could see the sea.
All for €30, proportionately the Vatican museums should cost a few thousand euros.
From the central square you enter the beautiful, sumptuous pontifical palace.
The visit was very interesting in the historical part where you can admire the various paintings of the popes over the centuries, then, having arrived in the private rooms of the Popes, a guide, hasty and voiceless, made us visit these rooms very quickly.
Always with the minutes counted, a small tourist bus literally flew us through the palace gardens, making us take photos from the bus, with the explanation left to the interactive guide.
It would have been very nice to be able to take a walk in the garden while also being able to admire the view from where, in the distance, you could see the sea.
All for €30, proportionately the Vatican museums should cost a few thousand euros.

Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
milaschoen
Pavia, Italy221 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
THE museum/palace, despite some valuable pieces, is nothing more than a self-celebration of the Popes and the Papacy, where, moreover, if there is confusion, it doesn't even go well. I didn't like it at all. The gardens (not those outside the palace) but those located further down from the palace are very beautiful. I recommend the visit on foot or by minibus, with one complaint, the ticket being too expensive for the duration of the visit and the timing of the stops and also the fact that you can't get around without having the 'guard' who tells you here yes or here no. I understand that groups must be 'led' but we are not children or hooligans.
In short, everywhere you can feel the usual arrogance of the Church which constantly looks down on everyone.
In short, everywhere you can feel the usual arrogance of the Church which constantly looks down on everyone.

Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monyb2011
Pietrasanta, Italy1,499 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We went to visit Castelgandolfo expressly for the visit to the Pope's Villa but we were disappointed as the pass is expensive for the service offered, i.e. a walk with the guide who obviously had limited time and for which we were anxious to follow him in that which was the immense park (gardens), very beautiful and well-kept but they were hoping to also see something inside but it wasn't possible. In short, it all boils down to a "walk" in a beautiful park, with a wonderful view of Rome, but especially in the hot months, bring water with you because it's tiring.

Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula J
Kihei, HI5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This was a highlight of our vacation in Italy.
Castle Gandolfo is a small village above Lake Albano.
It is so picturesque.
We arrived early in the morning and enjoyed the beauty and quietness.
Enjoyed a cup of Italian coffee and a cornetto.
We took a leisurely tour of the Papal summer home which is open to the public now.
We ended our visit with an open bus ride through the acres of Papal gardens.
We stoped midway through our papal Garden tour for a beautiful and delicious Italian feast in the middle of the gardens. There were approximately 11 others at our luncheon from Canada, Europe and Germany. We were not rushed at all. The tour was truly magical with memories and new friendships we will always cherish.
Castle Gandolfo is a small village above Lake Albano.
It is so picturesque.
We arrived early in the morning and enjoyed the beauty and quietness.
Enjoyed a cup of Italian coffee and a cornetto.
We took a leisurely tour of the Papal summer home which is open to the public now.
We ended our visit with an open bus ride through the acres of Papal gardens.
We stoped midway through our papal Garden tour for a beautiful and delicious Italian feast in the middle of the gardens. There were approximately 11 others at our luncheon from Canada, Europe and Germany. We were not rushed at all. The tour was truly magical with memories and new friendships we will always cherish.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ISyzigi
New York City, NY160 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
I must disagree with the Conde Nast article I read that said "If you thought the Vatican was grand, wait until you see the Papal Summer Palace on Lake Albano." It is orders of magnitude less ornate, impressive, and grand than the Vatican. If you are serious about Papal history, then the display of vestments, busts, and Swiss Guard uniforms on mannequins could be satisfying. Otherwise, I found the place underwhelming, especially the "secret garden." The guards who shepherd you through provide no commentary, and disrupt any pleasure that could be had by rushing you from room to room. It's a lovely palace and I'm very grateful that it has been opened to the public, but its appeal is limited. Great gelato in town though.
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea
372 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The possibility of visiting this place is due to Pope Francis, who refused to use the Palace and Gardens of the Villa Barberini as his holiday residence.
The visit is highly recommended, both for the Papal Palace and the Gardens.
The latter can be visited either with a tour on board a small bus or on foot (walking for about 1 hour).
Very knowledgeable and courteous staff who accompanies visitors along the entire route.
The visit is highly recommended, both for the Papal Palace and the Gardens.
The latter can be visited either with a tour on board a small bus or on foot (walking for about 1 hour).
Very knowledgeable and courteous staff who accompanies visitors along the entire route.

Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vittorio C
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
It is unacceptable that the gardens are closed on Sundays during this period.
It's the third time we've been there and they're closed.
This morning there was also a group of foreigners who were incredulous about it.
They came from central Rome specifically to visit it and found a surprise.
In this period, which is rosy in my opinion, there would be a need to open them.
It's the third time we've been there and they're closed.
This morning there was also a group of foreigners who were incredulous about it.
They came from central Rome specifically to visit it and found a surprise.
In this period, which is rosy in my opinion, there would be a need to open them.

Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Days
Durban, South Africa45 contributions
Jan 2023
The gardens are so beautiful. We were there in January, and even so, it was a nice day for a walk in these beautiful surroundings. Our guide was Alessandro. He walked at a leisurely pace, and gave us the space and the time to stop and look, and take photographs. If you would like, you can travel by golf-cart. But walking gives you more time to really take in the atmosphere. The neatly trimmed hedges and the well-kept gardens are a delight to see. Highly recommended. It's perfect if you feel like a while away from the city.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo
in den letzten Jahren als noch ein Papst im Palast war, war die Schweizergarde als einzige Garde vertreten. Wieso befindet sich keine Schweizergardeuniform im Palst??
Die Schweizergardisten sind doch auch Bürger des Vatikans!
Written October 18, 2023
A Tripadvisor member
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Can you take a rucksack into the villa, if so what size ?
Written July 2, 2023
I would imagine that you may take small rucksacks in, but no large luggage.
Written July 23, 2023
Per cortesias mi può indicare dove bisogna prenotare e qual'è il costo.Grazie
Ivanna
Written April 25, 2022
Basta cercare in internet e si può prenotare e acquistare il biglietto. Il costo dipende se si vuole visitare solo il parco o anche il palazzo
Written April 26, 2022
Can I buy tickets to the Barberini Gardens on the day of our visit - only tickets left on 7/12/18 on Vatican Website are for apostolic villa entry, and we would also like to tour the gardens!
Written October 13, 2018
I think the gardens are closed some of December, check the website but if it's open, I would prebook
Written October 14, 2018
We are hoping to visit the Pontificial villas and Barberini Gardens in early December this year. There are no tickets on the Vatican website - are they open everyday, and can you buy tickets at the entrance?
Written October 3, 2018
Yes you can buy tickets at the Castel. It is easier to access if you catch a bus from the train station otherwise you will have a long steep climb
Written October 3, 2018
jjcgferber
California
Does the pope have audiences at Castel Gandalfo? I've been unable to find information; it does not appear that he is there from the Vatican's schedule site. Did you do the Golf cart tour, and/or how did you get around the gardens? I had hoped to schedule a walking tour of the Barberini Gardens but there are none scheduled in English (and very few others) during the 2 weeks we'll be in Rome. Is the Golf cart tour a new option? or is it the same as the bus tour, which sounds less appealing? I'm a Landscape Architect and Photographer, so the more time on the ground with options to stop for a minute, the better. We will be visiting Rome late July- early August, 2018.Thank you.
Written June 25, 2018
The pope no longer goes to the Palace, that is why it is now open to the public
Written July 2, 2018
Hi Sandra - did you buy a package to include the train and the bus ? sounds like a great day -)
Written May 9, 2018
I went to the tourism office in Rome and asked the best and easiest way to get there. There is a bus that you can take that apparently takes you directly into town, but we opted for the train. It was super easy. The hardest part is the walk up the hill to the town. There were tours that you could purchase that were 3 times what i paid for the day. I bought the tickets to the Palace online from the vatican. Don't do the last tour, they will rush you through.
Written May 9, 2018
Salve, ho effettuato la visita ai giardini con pulmino ecologico e confermo una vera delusione. Qualcuno di voi ha effettuato la visita a piedi o in altro modo che permette di fare fotografie e osservare con calma i giardini? Se si mi dite dove prenotare? Grazie
Written May 3, 2018
Hi!
How long does it take to walk from the Apostolic palace to the Barberini garden?
Can we park at the Apostolic palace?
Is there a bathroom at the Apostolic palace?
How long can we stay inside the Apostolic palace? Is it only 60 minutes?
Written September 17, 2017
The Apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo which is the Pope's summer palace is open on some days only (check online). The visit can be as long as you want within the opening hours, and there are toilet facilities. There is parking around the town which I think was free. The garden is close to the palace and accessed through the palace grounds. However you do not walk around the grounds which are huge but are taken on an escorted minibus ride. Well worth both visits!!
Written September 17, 2017
How do I get to Castel Gandolfo using public transportation? Thanks!
Written August 16, 2017
That depends where you are starting from. There are trains from Roma Termini every hour. Costs are €2.10 each way. Trains are air conditioned and have power sockets.
Written August 16, 2017
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