Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Tour

Did you know that Castel Gandolfo is renowned as the summer residence of the Pope? Your ticket grants you the opportunity to explore the gardens and interiors of these Vatican villas.

Tour Options

Upon booking, you can select from the following experiences:

Papal Palace & Secret Garden Entry

At the scheduled time, present your ticket to enter the Castel Gandolfo Palace, located in Piazza della Libertà. Prepare to discover the Pope's historic summer dwelling!

This complex was repurposed by Pope Francis, who decided to transform the pontifical villas into a museum for public access. Would you like to learn about the summer vacations of former Popes in this residence?

Your ticket includes entry to the enchanting Secret Garden and the Papal Palace, where you will explore several rooms, including the throne room, the Swiss Guard hall, the astronomical observatory, and the gallery of Benedict XIV. Don't miss the balcony from which Popes delivered the Angelus every Sunday during the summer.

The visit concludes after an hour and does not include a guide or an audio guide.

Castel Gandolfo Pontifical Villas Experience

If you're looking for an in-depth exploration, commence by gathering in Piazza della Libertà before boarding a vehicle that will tour the expansive gardens of the papal villas, which cover 55 hectares (135 acres)!

You will marvel at the remnants of the Roman villa of Emperor Domitian while listening to an English audio guide, sharing intriguing stories about various Popes. Did you know which pontiff added a swimming pool? Or which one sought refuge in Castel Gandolfo after resigning?

The journey will include several stops at historically and artistically significant sites such as the Villa Barberini, the Garden of the Moor, and Villa Cybo. As we admire the flora, fountains, and various sculptures, we will share fascinating facts about each location.

After one hour, you will return to the original meeting point.