These tickets for the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo get you a rare glimpse inside the Pope's impeccable gardens – the Gardens of Villa Barberini – plus venture inside the grand Apostolic Palace. 

Overlooking the emerald green waters of Lake Albano, this stunning complex is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome. There's a reason why Italian's plan their dream weddings here – it's mesmerizing.

Just 40 minutes by train from Rome, Pope Francis opened a huge portion of the site to the public in 2014. Spend some time admiring lush tree-lined gardens and manicured shrubbery, and make sure to visit the Belvedere and Magnolia gardens.

This divine property has provided peace and quiet for more than 30 popes since it was built in the early 17th century. You'll be overcome with Papal intrigue and fascinated further inside the Apostolic Palace.

Papal Palace & Secret Gardens at Castel Gandolfo

Explore the large gardens of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo by minibus. Listen to an audio guide to learn about the gardens as you cruise by. 

See tree-lined paths, flowers, fountains, and statues. View Lake Albano's blue and green waters. Look at the ruins of Emperor Domitian's residence.

Learn stories of the Popes – find out who used a swimming pool and who stayed at Castel Gandolfo after leaving the position!

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Gardens: Eco Minibus Tour

Experience Italy's countryside, away from Rome's busy streets! Visit the village of Castel Gandolfo, on the shore of Lake Albano by the Pope's Summer Palace. 

Enter the Papal Apartment and see the private chambers, chapel, library, and study. Enjoy the balcony view where Popes would recite the Angelus each summer Sunday. Next, take a walk through the beautiful Secret Garden.

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Gandolfo: Entry + Optional Astronomical Dome

For the first time in almost ninety years, the astronomical domes of Castel Gandolfo's Papal Palace are open to visitors. 

These include two functional observatories of the Vatican: the **major dome** with an 8.5-meter diameter, equipped with a Visual Telescope for observing stars and planets; and the **minor dome**, with an 8-meter diameter, featuring the Double Astrograph used for photographic surveys of the sky and the position of stars.

Access the observatories via a spiral staircase to the third-floor terrace, which provides views of Lake Albano.

Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience

Rome wasn't built in a day, but maybe that's because the surrounding countryside is so beautiful! Take a break from the Roma rabble and paddle around the peaceful shores of Lake Albano with an expert kayaking instructor, and get immersed in the unique history and scenery around Castel Gandolfo. 

See submerged stilt houses in the Village of the Mills, the ancient villa of Emperor Domitian, and see where Romans used to engage in violent naval battle spectacles on the lake. Learn just as much history as kayaking technique along the way! 

If you've worked up an appetite, you can opt to include some very delizioso wine, cheese, and salumi.

Tickets in Ariccia

Papal Palace & Secret Gardens at Castel Gandolfo

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Gardens: Eco Minibus Tour

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Gandolfo: Entry + Optional Astronomical Dome

Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience

Lake Albano Kayak Tour

Attractions in Ariccia