Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace – Apartments, Secret Garden & Vatican Observatory

Escape the vibrant bustle of Rome and journey to the idyllic Italian countryside. Await you the sapphire waters of Lake Albano, cradling the picturesque village of Castel Gandolfo. This historic gem grew around the Pope's summer residence, a true treasure chest brimming with art and history.

Step back in time within the Papal Apartments. Explore 500 years of history as you wander through the Pope's private sanctuary. Imagine quiet moments in the library, reflection in the private chapel, and the view from the balcony where the Angelus resonated every summer Sunday.

Gain exclusive access to the Secret Garden. Immerse yourself in this haven, a hidden gem within the Papal Palace grounds.

Explore the heart of the residence – the Pope's summer offices. Delve into seven unique rooms, each whispering tales of papal history.

For the first time in almost ninety years since their construction, the astronomical domes of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo are opening their doors to visitors. These are two perfectly functioning astronomical observatories of the Vatican Observatory: the “major dome” with a diameter of 8.5 meters, equipped with a Visual Telescope, for observing stars and planets; and the “minor dome”, with a diameter of 8 meters, with the Double Astrograph, used for photographic surveys of the sky and the position of the stars.

Access allows, via a spiral staircase, access to the third floor of the Papal Palace, on the highest point of the panoramic terrace, which offers a splendid view of the lake of Castel Gandolfo. It was Pius XI, on September 29, 1935, who inaugurated the new headquarters of the Vatican Observatory, as its transfer from the villa that Leo XIII had built in the Vatican Gardens became necessary due to the light pollution of the City.

The astronomical observatory was thus refounded and entrusted to the Jesuits, equipping the Observatory with three new telescopes and an astrophysical laboratory for spectrochemical analysis. Among the various study programs of the new institution, in those years, an important research on variable stars should be remembered.