Since 2014, the doors to the Pontifical Palace and the Papal Gardens in Castel Gandolfo have opened, allowing visitors to enter both the summer residence of the pope and the beautiful botanical gardens.
Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo (Villa Barberini Gardens)
Spralling over 55 hectares/135 acres, the botanical gardens contain tree lined avenues, flowers, fountains and statues along with the Apostolic Palace, Villa Cybo and Villa Barberini. Highlights include the hedge mazes of Villa Barberini, sculptures of Neptune and fabulous views that extend to the Mediterranean sea.
At the time of writing, we did not have a tour guide, but rather of a member of the guard corp who led led us on a predetermined walking course and briefly pointed out the different villas and gardens.
We then continued on to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The Palace has an impressive collection of papal portraits, relics, liturgical clothing and uniforms ranging over five hundred years of history, accompanied by a multi-language audio guide filled with unique and interesting stories: It lets you know the popes' achievements and often dishes out the controversies during their papacy.
Vehicles used for transporting the Popes are on display in the courtyard.
On the noble floor you can visit the Papal apartments, which were last used by Pope Benedict XVI, and include the pope’s bedroom, and his private chapel.
As much as I loved the gardens, the Apostolic Palace was what interested my kids the most. They could explore at their own pace, and it felt more visual and tangible to them.
The Pope shown below, Paul IV, is actually one of my husband’s ancestors.
Book a visit to the Papal Residence and gardens while you can.
Since Pope Francis converted the residence into a museum and opened the gardens to the public in 2014, visitors have been able to experience this once-private space. However, there’s no guarantee it will remain that way forever — a future pope, such as Pope Leo, could choose to return it to private use. Although Pope Leo has stated that the museum will remain open, his deep affection for the area and frequent visits suggest that its future could always change.
Tickets
For Booking, tour options, costs and visiting times, visit the official Vatican Museum site.
Getting here:
The Apostolic Palace and ticket entrance to the gardens are located in the main square of Castel Gandolfo.
By Car from Rome: G.R.A., exit 23; via Appia Nuova, direction Ciampino-Albano Laziale. It's a 40 minute drive from Rome Center.
By Train From Roma Termini: take the Albano Laziale line and get off at Castel Gandolfo; it’s a 40 minute ride. Buy your return ticket at Termini or on online at Trenitalia. It’s a 10 minute walk up to the town.