PONTIFICAL PALACE OF CASTEL GANDOLFO
A papal residence with gardens above Lake Albano in Castel Gandolfo.
The Papal Summer Villa is not far from Rome, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular places for visitors to Castel Gandolfo. A place of rest, the papal residence and its gardens, which stretch out over Lake Albano, are now open to visitors. In summer, the Holy Father presides over the Sunday Angelus from the residence's inner courtyard, a prayer in which visitors can take part. Castel Gandolfo was an imperial Roman villa from the 1st century BC. Domitian, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius stayed here. In the 12th century, the Gandolfi family built a castle here, and in the 16th century, these lands were confiscated from the Savellli family, who were in debt to the Holy See. Since Urban VIII Barberini, fifteen popes have spent the summer season at Castel Gandolfo, almost every year. Alexander VII completed the construction of the papal palace, based on Bernini's plans. In 1734, the acquisition of the adjacent villa enlarged the estate. From 1878 to 1922, the popes never came to stay in their residence, which still belonged to them despite the confiscation of the Papal States by the new Italian state. Pius XII never visited during the Second World War. In 1934, the Vatican Observatory was transferred here. The current estate covers 55 hectares, 11 more than the Vatican City itself. The main entrance is in the town of Castel Gandolfo, where the apostolic palace is located.
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Opening time and information on PONTIFICAL PALACE OF CASTEL GANDOLFO
Admission €12. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1pm and Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
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