Castel Gandolfo Tickets

Castel Gandolfo, famously known as the Pope’s summer residence, offers a variety of tickets for visitors.

You can opt for a minibus tour, which helps you explore both the Pontifical Villas and Papal Gardens, and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Albano.

For a more adventurous experience, opt for a guided kayaking tour across the lake, with options that include swimming, pizza, food, and wine.

Find out the best way to explore Castle Gandolfo.

Source: Museivaticani

Castel Gandolfo Gardens self-guided tour with minibus

This ticket gets you access to a comfortable minibus ride through the Pontifical Villas and Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo.

This tour is available from 9 am to 5 pm and lasts for up to 2 hours.

An audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German, which provides fascinating insights into the history and secrets of the gardens.

You can also choose to visit the Astronomical Domes of the Papal Palace for a deeper experience.

For an added treat, you can enhance your tour with a delicious porchetta sandwich and a glass of wine in the charming town of Castel Gandolfo.

The tour takes you through the stunning 55-hectare gardens, showcasing fountains, statues, and breathtaking views of Lake Albano. You’ll meet your greeter at the Palazzo before beginning your memorable tour.

Tour prices

Minibus Tour with Audio guide: €22
Astronomical Domes: €36
Gardens & Porchetta Sandwich: €37

Castel Gandolfo Kayak tour with swimming & pizza

Explore the Pope’s historic summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, on a guided kayaking tour across Lake Albano.

This 3-hour guided tour has two starting time slots: 10.30 am and 3.30 pm.

You’ll be picked up from Anagnina subway station (one hour before the tour starts) for free.

Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like the Village of the Millstones, the Roman Port of Domitian’s Villa, and the Pope’s Trampoline while getting kayaking tips from your guide.

You can choose your guide from available languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic.

Take a break at a secluded beach, where you can swim (if the weather allows) and enjoy a tasty pizza in the peaceful surroundings.

This tour is a perfect mix of history and adventure, offering a unique way to enjoy the beauty and calm of Castel Gandolfo.

Tour prices

Adult (14+ years): €36
Child (8 to 13 years): €32 

*Infants under 7 years are not permitted

If you love exploring Castel Gandolfo with drinks, opt for the Castel Gandolfo Kayak Tour with Food & Wine for a perfect mix of culture, history, and local flavors!

FAQs on Castel Gandolfo tickets

Here are some questions tourists ask before booking the Castel Gandolfo tickets

What are the opening hours of Castel Gandolfo?

Castel Gandolfo is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2.30 pm, on Saturdays from 9 am to 5.30 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 6.30 pm; the last entry is allowed 90 minutes before closing.

Can I reach Castel Gandolfo by train?

Yes, you can easily reach Castel Gandolfo by train from Rome Termini Station. Trains depart hourly, and the journey takes about 40 minutes, with tickets costing around €3. Tickets can be purchased online or at ticket machines at Termini Station. Please note that there are no ticket machines at Castel Gandolfo, so you’ll need to buy your return ticket before you leave Termini Station.

Do I need to purchase tickets to visit Castel Gandolfo?

Yes, tickets are required to visit the Papal Palace and the Secret Garden of Castel Gandolfo. Both self-guided and guided tour options are available for visitors.

What are the main places to see at Castel Gandolfo?

In Castel Gandolfo, visit the Papal Palace, explore the beautiful Papal Gardens, relax by Lake Albano, see the Astronomical Domes, and stroll through the historic town center. Don’t miss the Roman ruins of the Villa of Domitian.

Where is Castel Gandolfo located?

Castel Gandolfo is a town located about 25 km (16 miles) southeast of Rome in the Lazio region of Italy. Situated on the edge of Lake Albano in the Alban Hills, it is famously known as the location of the Pope’s summer residence, the Apostolic Palace.

Is Castel Gandolfo worth visiting?

Yes, Castel Gandolfo is worth visiting to take in the stunning views of Lake Albano, explore the beautiful gardens, and visit the historic Papal Palace. Enjoy local Italian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the town’s rich history.

Photo of author
Researched & Written by
Mark Lancy Sebastian is a traveler at heart with a strong passion for history—mostly Classical Greek and Roman, culture, food, and art. He thrives on poetry, baking, climbing hills, and befriending local cats (the 'pspspspspspsp' actually works!) and dogs.

Leave a Comment