Visit Castel Gandolfo: Explore the Papal Palace and the Papal Villas

If Rome is the stage, Castel Gandolfo is the quiet backstage where the magic still lingers, only with lake views, papal secrets, and a slower heartbeat. This hilltop town feels like a well-kept whisper, once reserved for emperors and popes, now yours to explore. Wander through grand villas, inhale the scent of citrus in the Papal Gardens, and watch the sunlight dance across Lake Albano like it’s performing just for you. But don’t stop at the views, sip your way into the surrounding hills on one of the region’s unforgettable Lazio wine tours, where volcanic soils and centuries of tradition come together in every glass. Castel Gandolfo is a moment, and a delicious escape from the expected.

Visit Castel Gandolfo and the best things to do

Visit the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Once reserved for Popes and their closest circle, the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo finally opened its doors to the public in 2016, thanks to Pope Francis. Now, you can walk the same halls where Pope John Paul II spent his summers, peek into the papal bedroom, and explore private apartments that were off-limits for centuries. From the portrait gallery to the antique office furniture, every room tells a quiet story of power, peace, and papal tradition. It’s the heart of Castel Gandolfo, and stepping inside feels like unlocking a hidden chapter of Vatican history.

Wander through the Barberini Gardens

The sprawling Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo are among the most enchanting in the Lazio region. The Barberini Gardens (or Gardens at Castel Gandolfo) blend antiquity and botanical beauty, built on the ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa. Today, you can enjoy a group tour walking through sculpted labyrinths, colorful flowerbeds, and archaeological remains with a stunning view overlooking Lake Albano.

Walk to the main square Piazza della Libertà

Castel Gandolfo’s main square is pure Italian charm. With the grand façade of the Papal Palace, crafted by Carlo Maderno, watching over it, this piazza is where locals sip espresso, tourists browse market stalls, and time seems to slow down. Lined with cozy cafés and boutique shops, it’s the perfect place to take a break, people-watch, and soak in the relaxed rhythm of this elegant hilltop town.

Visit the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova

Commissioned by Pope Alexander VII and brought to life by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Church of San Tommaso da Villanova adds a quiet grandeur to Castel Gandolfo’s main square. Step inside and you’ll find a light-filled interior crowned by a graceful dome, Bernini’s signature touch. Built as a tribute to faith and power during the Barberini era, this church is small but mighty, offering a peaceful pause in the heart of the town.

Stroll along the shore of Lake Albano

Lake Albano, tucked into a volcanic crater just below Castel Gandolfo, is the kind of peaceful escape that makes you slow down and take it all in. Just a short walk or drive from the town center, the lake is perfect for a paddleboat ride, a lazy lakeside lunch, or a sunset stroll with gelato in hand. After exploring the Papal Palace or the gardens above, it’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy the softer side of Castel Gandolfo.

Alban hills panoramic viewpoints

Perched high in the Alban Hills, Castel Gandolfo treats visitors to some of the most stunning panoramic views in Lazio. From various lookout points around town, you can take in sweeping vistas over Lake Albano, the Roman countryside, and even the distant Tyrrhenian Sea on a clear day. Scenic walking trails wind through the area, making it easy to pair your cultural visit with a little nature escape.

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Wander at Albano Laziale

Just a five-minute ride from Castel Gandolfo, Albano Laziale is a historic gem waiting to be explored. Once home to a Roman military camp, the town still showcases impressive relics of its past, from stretches of the Appian Way to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Wander over to the Church of San Pietro, then descend into the Cisternoni, massive Roman water reservoirs that still leave archaeologists in awe.

Visit the lakeside town of Nemi

20 minutes from Castel Gandolfo, the hilltop town of Nemi feels like a secret you’re lucky to stumble upon. Perched above its peaceful volcanic lake, Nemi is known for wild strawberries, charming markets, and views that seem straight out of a painting. Take a slow stroll through its tiny center, enjoy a slice of strawberry tart, and soak in the calm. Surrounded by lush trails and history-rich hills once favored by Roman emperors like Domitian, Nemi is a gentle escape from the buzz, perfect for recharging in nature and discovering one of Lazio’s sweetest little treasures.

Discover Frascati and its elegant villas

Hop on a train and you’ll be in Frascati in just 25 minutes from Castel Gandolfo, and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Famous for its grand Roman villas and lively wine culture, Frascati feels like a toast to the elegance of the past. Wander the villa-lined streets, pause at Villa Aldobrandini for sweeping views, and then dive into the town’s buzzing enotecas. This is where Frascati wine shines, crisp, golden, and often poured straight from a local Frascati winery. It’s the same wine that once graced the tables of popes and aristocrats, and today, it pairs just as well with a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Do you want to learn more about the city? Visit Frascati Italy with our latest tips!

Take a day trip to Rome

A short 40-minute trip by car or train links Castel Gandolfo to the timeless wonders of Rome. From the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s breathtaking “The Last Judgment” , to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s easy to pair your visit with a taste of Roman culture. Many of the artistic and architectural touches in the Vatican echo throughout the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, designed by Carlo Maderno and refined by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. And if you’re looking to elevate your day trip, why not cap it off with a Rome wine tasting experience? It’s the perfect way to blend sacred history with delicious local flavor, all in one unforgettable journey.

Already captivated by the Pope’s summer residence? Discover the Eternal City’s other treasures with our guide to Rome best things to do.

Good to Know before visiting Castel Gandolfo