Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo & Pontifical Villas Gardens

Name: Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo & Pontifical Villas Gardens
Start: 2023-12-14T11:00:00
End: 2023-12-14T13:00:00
Location: Castel Gandolfo

(35 Ratings)

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Mobile ticket

2 hrs

Audio guide

Visit the Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace of the sleepy town of Castel Gandolfo. With the help of an audio-guide, understand the holy significance of the summer residence of the Pope and take a stroll in the lush Villa Barberini Gardens to be in harmony with nature.

highlights

Visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope, for centuries prior.
Venture out into the lush gardens of Villa Barberini while listening to your audio-guide narrate tales of ancient treasures.
Enjoy the sparkling waters and the lush green countryside of Castel Gandolfo and see for yourself why this place was chosen by emperors and popes as a summertime residence.
Revel in the conspicuous remains of one of the most famous villas of antiquity - The Villa of Domitian, which was once the magnificent country residence of the Emperor Domitian.

inclusions

Multilingual Audio Guide (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian)
Access to Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo and Villa Barberini Gardens ( depending on the ticket variant chosen)
Booking and Handling Fees

cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

ratings & reviews

4.2

35 Ratings

5/5

4/5

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1/5

Rebecca

Oct, 2023

5/5

The gardens are wonderful. The worker who took me around in the wheelchair was delightful. I don't know his name. He works at the Vatican museum in Rome half the time he was very kind and helpful everybody. There was nice it was a wonderful experience I recommend it to everyone.

Rev

Oct, 2023

3/5

I thought I was dealing with Vatican directly then found out there was a 3rd party. Thus a 25 euro service fee. Also, was told that priests get a discount, but no provision was made for this. Finally, after we got our tickets we were told the 2nd floor would be closed because of some problem. When asked if we can get refund or at least a discount because of this we were told no. The main focus of our visit was to see the Pope's 2nd floor residence. We did enjoy the gardens but generally disappointed with whole experience.

Sylvain

Oct, 2023

4/5

les jardins sont vraiment à voir... Intéressant de voir les véhicules officiels avant d'entrer dans la résidence + tout le coté historique de l'endroit.

Tony

Sep, 2023

5/5

All very friendly, from security to agents at the "cassa". Too bad we couldn't get off the bus to take some pictures, once or twice at least.

John

Aug, 2023

5/5

Great place to visit! Ticket collection and general operation of the tour was excellent - no hitches!! Good guides and supportive advice!

your experience

Explore the summer residence of the Pope

Head to Castel Gandolfo. Lying on the edge of Lake Albano, in the Alban Hills just south of Rome, this place is commonly known as the Pope’s city, housing the Pope’s summertime residence - The Apostolic Palace. This was the place the Pope escaped to when Vatican pressures built up. The palace dominates the town and is seated on a scenic spot overlooking the lake, with picturesque gardens built on the site of the ancient villas. Displaying a mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture, the palace is a sight for sore eyes! Meanwhile, enjoy a multilingual audio guide that will narrate a 500-year history of various popes. Drown yourself in history as you experience a holy detour.

The Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo

The Papal Villas are styled gardens of Italian wonder consisting of archaeological treasures and works of art. Enjoy a regenerating walk in the vast gardens of Villa Barberini. This was the private garden of the Pope himself. A close relationship with nature is ever-present across the decorations found in the gardens with cascades of flowers and reflections on the passage of time. The Papal Villas extend over the remains of the famous Villa of Domitian. Equipped for cold and harsh weather, rich in natural beauty, sumptuous buildings, monuments, and works of art, this was the villa that once housed emperor Domitian. The villa was once a huge complex that was built on three terraces, with three courtyards, some water features which looked out on the Avenue of Nymphaea, a cryptoportico (covered passage), a theatre, and a circus.

Ticket Information

Apostolic Palace Ticket with Audio Guide:
The ticket includes admission and the visit to the Apostolic Palace with an audioguide (available languages: Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Russian).
Apostolic Palace & Barberini Gardens Ticket with Audio Guide:
This includes entry to the Apostolic Palace and the Villa Barberini Gardens.
Pontifical Villas Gardens Ticket :
This ticket includes entry to the Pontifical Villas Gardens.

operating hours

Vatican Museums

Monday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	last entry 4:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

know before you go

Important Information

The Castel Gandolfo tour includes some serious flights of steps, so, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems

Timings

Duration

Duration of the visit to the Apostolic Palace is 60 minutes.
Duration of the visit to the Pontifical Villas Gardens of Castel Gandolfo is 60 minutes.

Accessibility

Only the Apostolic Palace is wheelchair accessible.

Reduced Price Tickets

Entry is free for children aged 5 and below. Reduced price tickets are available for children between the ages of 6 - 18 and for students up to the age of 25. Families with a minimum of two children can get a family ticket.

Dress Code

No shorts or sleeveless shirts are permitted in the Apostolic Palace.

Getting There

To Castel Gandolfo

Metro: LINEA A
Train: FL4
Bus: COTRAL

my tickets

Your mobile tickets will be sent to your email instantly.
Please display your tickets along with a valid photo ID at the time of redemption.
If you have purchased reduced price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid Student IDs.
Kindly ensure that you arrive 20 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.
IMPORTANT: Please check your final ticket for meeting point details and specific instructions.

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