Duration
Open today
Audio guide
4.4/5
(1,001)
Lynn
Maria
Laura
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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.
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Enrich your visit with the included audio guide, available in English or Italian, offering fascinating insights that bring the papal history to life on this self-paced tour.
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Walk through the richly decorated papal apartments, where centuries of art, history, and priceless artifacts tell the story of the Vatican’s summer residence.
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Unwind in the secret garden, where vibrant blooms and sweeping landscapes offer a peaceful countryside escape, just 40 minutes from Rome.
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Timed entry to Apostolic Palace
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Access to secret garden
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Audio guide (English/Italian)
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Guided tour
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Access to observatory domes
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Minibus tour of extended gardens
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Transport to and from Rome
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from France, United States, Spain and over 27 countries have loved this experienceDavid
Aug, 2025Verified booking
It was very interesting to see, and an amazing setting. The WWII history section was very informative.
Simon
Jul, 2025Verified booking
The view and the gardens we really loved
Giovannah
Jun, 2025Verified booking
Beautiful experience, amazing escape from the city. Worth touring!
Laura
Aug, 2025Verified booking
It was a real privilege to visit such an exclusive palace, rich in history and in a truly lovely location. My heartfelt thanks to Papa Francesco who generously opened to the public a palace to which few had access.
Alma
Aug, 2025Verified booking
We visited Castel Gandolfo in 2023 and were most impressed with the extensive gardens. While booking our tickets in July 2025, it was not at all clear what 'the secret gardens' entailed, and that this was not the same as the more extensive (Barberini?) gardens that were included as part of our ticket in 2023. We had promised the friends who were visiting the site with us for the first time a long walk through extensive and beautiful gardens, and we were all greatly disappointed that the 'secret garden' was only one relatively small area under the residence. I suggest that the website make it more clear that there now appear to be two different tours that need to be booked separately, and provide links to the site that people can use to book the more extensive guided garden tour.
Step inside the Apostolic Palace and stroll through Castel Gandolfo’s secret garden with an included audio guide.
Getting started
Begin at the main entrance of the Apostolic Palace, where your ticket will be validated. After a brief security check, collect your audio guide and 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
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Papal apartments: Walk through rooms once reserved for popes, featuring period furnishings and portraits that reflect the Vatican’s legacy.
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Secret garden: Enjoy exclusive entry to this tranquil space, known for its carefully maintained greenery and peaceful atmosphere.
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Audio guide: Listen to insightful commentary in English or Italian as you explore, providing context on the palace’s history and the significance of each area you visit.
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What to bring
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Arrive at the venue promptly at your chosen time slot to guarantee entry.
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Bring a valid photo ID that matches your booking for verification purposes.
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Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the palace and gardens.
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If you prefer, bring your own headphones to use with the physical audio guide provided on-site.
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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
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Large or bulky bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the venue.
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Pets aren’t allowed, except for registered service animals.
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Food and drinks must not be brought into the palace or garden areas.
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Smoking and use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Accessibility
- The site is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Additional information
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Your ticket does not provide entry to the observatory domes, extended gardens, or guided tours.
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Transportation to and from Rome is not covered. Please plan your own travel by car, bus, or train.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.
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Please arrive at the redemption point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
Ticket redemption point
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Show your ticket at Palazzo Pontificio.
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Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy.
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Head to the ticketing desk inside the Villa, after passing the security check.
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