Castel Gandolfo - The Popes׳ Summer Retreat

Castel Gandolfo, located about 25 km southeast of Rome, is a charming hilltop town overlooking Lake Albano. For centuries, it served as the summer retreat of the popes, and today it's one of the most picturesque attractions in the Rome area. You can reach Castel Gandolfo by train from Rome or by bus. From there, you need to climb toward the town or descend toward the lake.

The Town and Main Square

The heart of the town is Piazza della Libertà, a charming square with the baroque Church of San Tommaso di Villanova. The square is perfect for sitting in the shade or having a meal at a local restaurant. The place breathes an authentic Italian atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of Rome.

The Stunning Views The view from Castel Gandolfo is beautiful - a breathtaking panorama of blue Lake Albano, surrounded by green hills and vineyards. The lake is a volcanic lake formed in the crater of an ancient volcano.

The Papal Palace The Papal Gardens - gardens designed in Italian baroque style with fountains, sculptures, and stunning panoramic views.

The Papal Museum - the collections include artworks, textiles, silverware, and liturgical objects from the papal palaces. Like every Vatican museum, endless wealth.

The Astronomical Domes - the surprise of the place! The Vatican has operated an observatory here since 1935. In the domes are historical telescopes and an exhibition on the history of astronomy. The place displays space photographs, information about the Big Bang, and modern cosmological theories - something that provokes thoughts about the development of the Church's relationship with science. The Church, which in the past burned people for astronomical theories, now displays the Big Bang itself.

After visiting the palace, we stopped for a light lunch. We wanted to sit in a restaurant, but forgot that in Italy, restaurants are only open during traditional meal hours, and since it was already 3:00 PM, we had nowhere to sit. Luckily, we found a wonderful and delicious delicatessen.

Lake Albano A beautiful picturesque lake, with wonderful beaches and water activities. The beaches have restaurants and cafes. We walked down to the lake on foot, about a 15-minute climb. It's important to remember that you also need to walk back, and then it's a not-easy climb - but possible. Pay attention! If you time your return climb exactly to the train's return time to Rome, you might be late. A few minutes before the train arrives at the station, a barrier comes down that prevents pedestrians from crossing and reaching the station. So, make sure you plan your timing well, and make sure to arrive at the station a few minutes early.

Castel Gandolfo offers a perfect combination of history, nature, and culture - a place that reminds you why Italy is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world.