Landmarks

Castel Gandolfo Palace & Secret Garden Tickets

4.4/5(1,198)

Marco S

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

The palace, with its exquisite interiors, is well worth the trip, especially with the audio guide providing historical and cultural information. It is a pity that there are no chairs or benches to rest on in the palace, which can make a full visit difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues.

Kathleen B

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Castel Gandolfo was a wonderful tour! However, Headout did not give clear directions for the Garden tour. We asked all over the Plaza and no one knew anything about our trip. Finally the ticket office found a driver to take us for only 1/2 hour instead of an hour! Good for them. Not for Headout tho

Paolo R

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Tuesday, August 4. We booked and purchased two tickets for the Papal Palace and the Secret Garden at Castel Gandolfo. When we arrived, we were surprised to find everything closed because the Holy Father had decided to stay an extra day at Castel Gandolfo. Officially, the website listed it as open and available for visits. The gendarmerie advised us to call the Vatican Museums’ customer service. They stated that the matter was outside their jurisdiction since the tickets had been purchased in advance by credit card through Headout. Unfortunately, your website does not list any phone number for information or assistance. After I sent three emails requesting a refund, and received three replies (all in English...) apologizing for the inconvenience and stating that they were looking into the reason for the closure, the full refund was credited to my card on the 16th. Aside from the fact that I was unable to visit the Papal Palace and the Secret Garden at Castel Gandolfo (perhaps for my next vacation in Rome)—which was not Headout’s fault—everything was handled very correctly and professionally. ... Thank you.

Kolozsvári A

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Unfortunately the residence of the Palace were closed. When we bought the tickets, there was no information about it. It was a disappointment. The other program "the big Garden by golf cars" (we bought tickets separatly from the Castle program) was wonderful with very kind and helpful guides. Special thanks to them, they saved the day!

Oscar O

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The purchase was made easy as was the trip to the Apostolic Palace. The guided tour through the grounds and palace were quite memorable (especially access to the papal apartment). Nice job!

Chris N

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

I took a lovely trip to Castel Gandolfo by train from Rome. The papal residence is situated in a very peaceful location, within walking distance of the train station in the village of Castel Gandolfo. The walk uphill is a form of meditation in itself, as you look out over the crater lake from ever-higher vantage points. Once at the top, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the volcanic lake from one of the terraces. There, you can also enjoy a refreshing drink or a good meal. The well-kept, simple garden of Castel Gandolfo creates a relaxing atmosphere. And a visit to the rooms in the residence brings you close to Pope Leo and his predecessors. The hectic life of a pope can find tranquility there, bringing them closer to God.

Discover the beauty of Castel Gandolfo with reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace and the secret garden, both now open to the public after centuries of exclusive papal use.

Explore the papal history and grandeur of the royal palace at your own pace, with the freedom of a fully self-guided visit.

Walk through the richly decorated papal apartments, where centuries of art, history, and priceless artifacts tell the story of the Vatican’s summer residence.

Unwind in the secret garden, where vibrant blooms and sweeping landscapes offer a peaceful countryside escape, just 40 minutes from Rome.

Upgrade your experience with an audio guide in English or Italian that reveals hidden stories, papal traditions, and artistic details often missed on a casual visit.

Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

Access to secret garden

Audio guide in English/Italian (as per option selected)

Guided tour

Access to observatory domes

Minibus tour of extended gardens

Transport to and from Rome

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

1,198 reviews
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Guests from United States, Germany, United Kingdom and over 24 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kolozsvári A
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Unfortunately the residence of the Palace were closed. When we bought the tickets, there was no information about it. It was a disappointment. The other program "the big Garden by golf cars" (we bought tickets separatly from the Castle program) was wonderful with very kind and helpful guides. Special thanks to them, they saved the day!
Marco S
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
The palace, with its exquisite interiors, is well worth the trip, especially with the audio guide providing historical and cultural information. It is a pity that there are no chairs or benches to rest on in the palace, which can make a full visit difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
Kathleen B
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Castel Gandolfo was a wonderful tour! However, Headout did not give clear directions for the Garden tour. We asked all over the Plaza and no one knew anything about our trip. Finally the ticket office found a driver to take us for only 1/2 hour instead of an hour! Good for them. Not for Headout tho
Domiziano M
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Very interesting, especially because you get to enter the places where the history of the world and of Italy was made...
Graeme P
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Great excursion, very easy to arrange and very enjoyable. A worthwhile experience.

Step inside the Apostolic Palace and stroll through Castel Gandolfo’s secret garden.

Getting started

Begin at the main entrance of the Apostolic Palace, where your ticket will be validated. After a brief security check,you can start your self-paced visit.

What to expect

Castel Gandolfo's Apostolic Palace

This historic residence has served as a papal retreat for centuries, offering a rare look into the private world of the Vatican outside Rome. The palace stands at the heart of Castel Gandolfo, a town renowned for its unique charm and scenic surroundings.

Features

Papal apartments: Walk through rooms once reserved for popes, featuring period furnishings and portraits that reflect the Vatican’s legacy.

Secret garden: Enjoy exclusive entry to this tranquil space, known for its carefully maintained greenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Audio guide upgrade: Explore at your own pace with engaging narration in English or Italian, revealing hidden papal stories, history, and artistry throughout the site.

What to bring

Arrive at the venue promptly at your chosen time slot to guarantee entry.

Bring a valid photo ID that matches your booking for verification purposes.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the palace and gardens.

To follow Vatican dress code, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. A light scarf or shawl can be helpful.

What’s not allowed

Large or bulky bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the venue.

Pets aren’t allowed, except for registered service animals.

Food and drinks must not be brought into the palace or garden areas.

Smoking and use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Accessibility

The site is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Additional information

Your ticket does not provide entry to the observatory domes, extended gardens, or guided tours.

Transportation to and from Rome is not covered. Please plan your own travel by car, bus, or train.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Please arrive at the redemption point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Ticket redemption point

Show your ticket at Palazzo Pontificio.

Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy.

Head to the ticketing desk inside the Villa, after passing the security check.

Get directions to the redemption point