Castel Gandolfo attractions

The Pontifical Villas, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century as a papal country residence, are located 25 km south of Rome in the fairy-tale town of Castel Gandolfo. The property was first opened to the public in 2014 and spans 55 hectares, including the palace and the massive gardens built into the 2,000 year old ruins of Emperor Domitian's residence.

Overlooking Lake Albano, 25km outside of Rome, Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque resort community. It's most well known for hosting the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the former summer home of the popes.

Palazzo Barberini is a 17th-century Baroque palace in Rome, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini among others. The palace now houses the collection of the National Gallery of Ancient Art.