Step into Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque town straight out of a postcard

Overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo charms travelers with its elegant architecture, scenic viewpoints, and lively town squares. Rich in history yet full of life, it is an ideal destination for those seeking both culture and natural beauty.

Tourist couple at Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano.

Book Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace tickets

Castel Gandolfo Palace & Secret Garden Ticket with Audio Guide

1 hr. 30 min.

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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour

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3 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.

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Castel Gandolfo | Knowledge graph

Region: Lazio
Province: Rome
Elevation: 426 m (1,398 ft) above sea level
Population: Around 8,500 residents
Tourism history: Famous for the popes’ summer retreat since the 17th century. The town’s historic center, villas, and gardens attract visitors year-round.
Main attractions: Apostolic Palace, Barberini Gardens, scenic viewpoints over Lake Albano, historic churches, and cobblestone streets.
Accessibility: Easily reachable from Rome by car, train, or bus. Aaround 25 km (15 miles) from central Rome.
Weather & climate: Mediterranean climate with warm summers (25°C to 32°C / 77°F to 90°F) and mild winters (3°C to 12°C / 37°F to 54°F).
Language & currency: Italian but English is widely understood in tourist areas. Euro (EUR) is used for transactions.

Things to see and do in Castel Gandolfo

Piazza in front of Castel Gandolfo with cobblestone streets and surrounding buildings.

Piazza della Repubblica

The heart of Castel Gandolfo, this lively square is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and shops. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and watch daily Italian life unfold amid the charming architecture.

Aerial view of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano in Rome.

Terraced gardens with hedges and flower beds in Castel Gandolfo park, Italy.

Vatican Observatory dome at Castel Gandolfo with scenic view of surrounding landscape.

Plan your visit to Castel Gandolfo

Sculptures in Pontifical Villa Gardens with manicured hedges and stone wall backdrop.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, offering mild weather, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy summer months.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, which attract more day-trippers from Rome, making midweek visits ideal for a peaceful experience.
Visiting in the morning allows you to explore the Papal Palace and wander the Barberini Gardens before the crowds arrive.
Summer brings a lively atmosphere, with more visitors, but the lake and gardens are especially beautiful during this time.

The Papal Palace and its gardens sit atop the hill in Castel Gandolfo, roughly 25 km southeast of Rome.

🚆 By train: From Roma Termini, take a regional train heading to Albano Laziale and alight at Castel Gandolfo station. The palace is a 15-minute uphill walk from the station.

🚌 By bus: Cotral buses run from Anagnina station (the terminus of Rome’s Line A metro) to Castel Gandolfo. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

🚗 By car: Castel Gandolfo is approximately a 40-minute drive from central Rome via the Via Appia Nuova. Parking is available in town, though spaces can fill up on weekends.