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Castel Gandolfo

Visit the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, the former summer residence of the popes, set amidst the charm of the Alban Hills. Explore its elegant rooms, admire the rich art collections, and discover the deep connection between papal tradition and cultural history.
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Slide 1 of 10, Terraced gardens with hedges and flower beds in Castel Gandolfo park, Italy.
Terraced gardens with hedges and flower beds in Castel Gandolfo park, Italy.

Castel Gandolfo Palace & Secret Garden Tickets

1 hr 30 mins - 5 hrs
Audio guide

  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

from
€16
Slide 1 of 6, Ornate hallway inside Castle Gandolfo with frescoed walls and marble floors.
Ornate hallway inside Castle Gandolfo with frescoed walls and marble floors.

Castel Gandolfo Observatory Domes Tickets

45 mins

  • Visit the twin domes of the third-floor observatory, now open after almost 100 years, to explore the spaces where papal astronomers observed the stars.

  • Discover fascinating exhibits on celestial mapping, historic instruments, and meteorites, revealing the Vatican’s long-standing engagement with astronomy.

  • Take in sweeping views of Lake Albano from the domes, blending historical discovery with breathtaking scenery.

  • This self-guided experience lets you journey through centuries of astronomical discovery and the Vatican’s fascination with the cosmos.

More details

  • Visit the twin domes of the third-floor observatory, now open after almost 100 years, to explore the spaces where papal astronomers observed the stars.

  • Discover fascinating exhibits on celestial mapping, historic instruments, and meteorites, revealing the Vatican’s long-standing engagement with astronomy.

  • Take in sweeping views of Lake Albano from the domes, blending historical discovery with breathtaking scenery.

  • This self-guided experience lets you journey through centuries of astronomical discovery and the Vatican’s fascination with the cosmos.

from
€11
Slide 1 of 15, Facade of Castel Gandolfo with clock tower, Italy.
Facade of Castel Gandolfo with clock tower, Italy.

Castel Gandolfo Full Experience with Eco-Minibus Tour of Pontifical Gardens

5 hrs
2 more

  • Experience Castel Gandolfo in its entirety, from papal history and astronomy to lush gardens and the welcoming charm of a picturesque Italian town, all in one day.

  • Take an eco-minibus tour through the villa’s expansive gardens, discovering peaceful landscapes and hidden corners.

  • Enjoy reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring grand papal apartments filled with history and art.

  • Gain exclusive access to the historic observatory domes, where centuries of astronomical study come to life.

  • Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in multiple languages, and choose to upgrade your visit with a delicious porchetta sandwich for lunch.

More details

  • Experience Castel Gandolfo in its entirety, from papal history and astronomy to lush gardens and the welcoming charm of a picturesque Italian town, all in one day.

  • Take an eco-minibus tour through the villa’s expansive gardens, discovering peaceful landscapes and hidden corners.

  • Enjoy reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring grand papal apartments filled with history and art.

  • Gain exclusive access to the historic observatory domes, where centuries of astronomical study come to life.

  • Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in multiple languages, and choose to upgrade your visit with a delicious porchetta sandwich for lunch.

from
€80
Slide 1 of 11, Vatican Museums Pinecone Courtyard with bronze sphere sculpture in Rome.
Vatican Museums Pinecone Courtyard with bronze sphere sculpture in Rome.

Combo (Save 24%): Castel Gandolfo Full Experience + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

2 hrs - 5 hrs
Audio guide

  • Experience the richness of papal heritage with guided Vatican Museum tour paired with full access to the Pope’s summer residence.

  • Explore the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, tour the villa’s gardens by eco-minibus, visit secret gardens and observatory domes, all with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Discover masterpieces on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, including the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms, with headsets for clear commentary.

  • Deepen your understanding of papal history through this curated combo, offering an immersive journey across iconic papal art, architecture, and tranquil gardens.

More details

  • Experience the richness of papal heritage with guided Vatican Museum tour paired with full access to the Pope’s summer residence.

  • Explore the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, tour the villa’s gardens by eco-minibus, visit secret gardens and observatory domes, all with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Discover masterpieces on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, including the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms, with headsets for clear commentary.

  • Deepen your understanding of papal history through this curated combo, offering an immersive journey across iconic papal art, architecture, and tranquil gardens.

from Original price€159
€121.03

24% off

Slide 1 of 13, Main entrance of the Vatican Museums in Rome with ornate sculptures above the doorway.
Main entrance of the Vatican Museums in Rome with ornate sculptures above the doorway.

Combo (Save 22%): Castel Gandolfo Palace + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entry Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Discover two papal landmarks in one seamless combo, the Vatican’s artistic heart and the Pope’s summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

  • Enjoy timed entry to Castel Gandolfo’s Apostolic Palace and walk through its tranquil Secret Garden dotted with fountains, sculptures, and panoramic lake views.

  • Skip the lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with reserved entry to explore centuries of art, from ancient relics to Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece.

  • Experience the striking contrast between Rome’s grandeur and the peaceful charm of the Alban Hills, just 40 minutes away.

More details

  • Discover two papal landmarks in one seamless combo, the Vatican’s artistic heart and the Pope’s summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

  • Enjoy timed entry to Castel Gandolfo’s Apostolic Palace and walk through its tranquil Secret Garden dotted with fountains, sculptures, and panoramic lake views.

  • Skip the lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with reserved entry to explore centuries of art, from ancient relics to Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece.

  • Experience the striking contrast between Rome’s grandeur and the peaceful charm of the Alban Hills, just 40 minutes away.

from Original price€57.90
€45.45

22% off

Slide 1 of 12, Visitors on a guided tour of Vatican Museums with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.
Visitors on a guided tour of Vatican Museums with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

Jubilee Gold Pass: Vatican Museums + Catacombs of St. Callixtus + Castel Sant'Angelo + Castel Gandolfo

Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Transfers available

  • Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and gaze at Michelangelo's vibrant murals of biblical heavens.

  • Let your guide take you through the Catacomb's eerie tunnels with skulls and bones of the buried, peeking through the walls, created by Roman Christians 2000 years ago.

  • Step into Hadrian's Mausoleum and be greeted by the cylindrical building topped by a golden quadriga that later turned into a prison.

  • Wander through the Castel Gandolfo where colorful houses hug the shores of the serene Lake Albano and the papal palace stands as a historic centerpiece.

  • Fun fact: Some catacombs were used as secret meeting places during times of religious persecution, to hide from the Roman authorities!

More details

  • Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and gaze at Michelangelo's vibrant murals of biblical heavens.

  • Let your guide take you through the Catacomb's eerie tunnels with skulls and bones of the buried, peeking through the walls, created by Roman Christians 2000 years ago.

  • Step into Hadrian's Mausoleum and be greeted by the cylindrical building topped by a golden quadriga that later turned into a prison.

  • Wander through the Castel Gandolfo where colorful houses hug the shores of the serene Lake Albano and the papal palace stands as a historic centerpiece.

  • Fun fact: Some catacombs were used as secret meeting places during times of religious persecution, to hide from the Roman authorities!

from Original price€168.90
€116.02

31% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Castel Gandolfo is just 40 minutes from Rome, making it an easy escape to the hills.

Similar things to do in Rome

Vatican Museums gallery with ornate ceiling and classical statues, Rome.
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About Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Perched atop the Alban Hills, the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo has been a papal retreat since the 17th century. Built over the ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa, it blends Renaissance elegance with centuries of religious heritage, offering a glimpse into the Pope’s life beyond the Vatican walls.

AddressPiazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy
Also known asPapal Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Year opened1596
Founded byCarlo Maderno

Did you know?

Castel Gandolfo served as the Pope’s summer retreat since 1626, until Pope Francis opened it to the public in 2016.

Why visit Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo?

Apostolic Palace

Step inside the papal summer residence and explore ornate rooms, papal artifacts, and centuries of history.

Plan your visit

Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Monday9:00am - 2:30pmlast entry 1:00pm
Tuesday9:00am - 2:30pmlast entry 1:00pm
Wednesday9:00am - 2:30pmlast entry 1:00pm
Thursday9:00am - 2:30pmlast entry 1:00pm
Friday9:00am - 2:30pmlast entry 1:00pm
Saturday9:00am - 6:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
Sunday10:00am - 6:30pmlast entry 5:00pm

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What our guests say

Elizabeth E

United Kingdom
Family
Last week

+1 more

We could never have navigated these busy sites without our expert guide - it was unbelievably busy and hot in high summer but the tour guide did a fantastic job of making it enjoyable and informative. I am a history buff and the guide managed to make some interesting points i hadn't considered about the exhibits whilst keeping us all together and navigating everything. Would definitely book this tour guide and this company again for other things. We're very glad we booked this tour.

Jubilee Gold Pass: Vatican Museums + Catacombs of St. Callixtus + Castel Sant'Angelo + Castel Gandolfo

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