Castel Gandolfo Tickets

The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, also known as the Apostolic Palace or the Papal Villas, has been the summer residence of the Popes for centuries.

It is a 135-acre (54.6-hectare) complex surrounded by beautiful gardens and buildings right out of a postcard.

The view from here, too, is breathtaking as the sun-soaked Castel Gandolfo is perched on the picturesque Alban hills that overlook the stunning azure blue Albano Lake.

Until 2016, Castel Gandolfo was closed to the public and only open to the Pope’s entourage, dignitaries of state, and other high-ranking officials.

The Gardens were, however, open to the public in 2014, thanks to Pope Francis’s efforts.

Castel Gandolfo is a museum today; with a guided tour ticket, you can visit the Villa Barberini Gardens and the Pope’s Farm.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Castel Gandolfo ticket.

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Castel Gandolfo Tickets

There are two ways to explore Castel Gandolfo. You can either opt for the castle’s walking tour ticket or choose Castel Gandolfo Kayak, Food and Wine Tour Ticket

Castel Gandolfo Walking Tour Ticket

Embark on a guided tour through Castel Gandolfo’s Pontifical Villas and magnificent gardens, led by a Vatican staff member familiar with the region. 

Soak in the botanical and architectural marvels of the Pontifical Villas, where lush vineyards and orchards create a serene backdrop.

The first half of the tour involves stepping inside the Papal Apartment and delving into the history of the Pope’s cherished summer retreat. You can also visit the Pope’s studio, library, bedroom, and private chapel.

This tour also allows you to stand on the balcony where the Popes used to deliver the Angelus address every Sunday during the summer months.

Once you are done with Pope’s summer residence, head to the Papal Gardens, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch (not included with the ticket fare) of vegetarian or porchetta sandwiches paired with bottled water, beer, or wine, along with traditional wine biscuits.

This guided tour is available across five time slots—9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 am, 1 pm.

Ticket Details

Adult (18+ years): €24
Child (6 to 17 years): €12

Free entry

Infants aged 5 years and younger can enter the attraction for free.

Cancellation policy

You will be offered a full refund if you cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your booked date. However, you cannot reschedule your ticket to another date.

Castel Gandolfo Kayak, Food and Wine Tour Ticket

This 3-hour tour takes you to the uninhabited side of Castel Gandolfo. It involves an exciting kayaking adventure and a sumptuous meal of wines, meats, and homemade cheeses. 

This tour has two time slots available—10.30 am and 3.30 pm. You’ll be picked up from Anagnina subway station (directly connected with the Termini Central Station) in Rome for free.

For the 10.30 am tour, you’ll be picked up at 9.30 am and dropped off at 2 pm. For the 3.30 pm tour, you’ll be picked up at 2.30 pm and dropped off at 7 pm. 

Your kayak tour begins at Lake Albano, where your guide will teach you how to paddle. 

Your first break will then be at the village of the millstones, a collection of submerged stilt houses that offer a unique glimpse into ancient lakeside living.

Following a rejuvenating break, you’ll paddle onward to marvel at the Pope’s summer residence perched majestically atop Castel Gandolfo mountain. It makes for a breathtaking sight from the tranquil waters below!

Your next stop would be the Roman port of the Villa of Domitian. 

Soak in the historical ambiance and scenic views before heading to the Pope’s Trampoline. An ancient structure bearing the papal coat of arms awaits on the lakeshore, offering a fascinating glimpse into its pre-Papal history.

Conclude your adventure by docking at an untouched beach accessible only by kayak, perfect for a refreshing swim or dive if the season permits. 

This secluded spot promises serenity and natural beauty, making it a highlight of your kayaking experience.

While you’ll be provided with life jackets, paddles, single or double kayaks, a waterproof bag, food, and drinks, don’t forget to bring your swimwear, sun hat, and towel.

Ticket price

Per participant (irrespective of age): €65 

Cancellation policy

You will be offered a full refund if you cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your booked date. However, you cannot reschedule your ticket to another date.

Timings

Days	Timings	Last entry
Monday to Friday	9 am to 2.30 pm	1 pm
Saturday	9 am to 6.30 pm	5 pm
Sunday	10 am to 6.30 pm	5 pm

Planning a visit to the Museums? Here’s all you need to know about the attraction’s dress code, its three entrance lines, opening and closing hours, the amenities within the Museums, how to reach the Vatican, and special tours like the Vatican Museums early morning and late evening tickets, and Vatican Grottoes & Necropolis tickets.

How to reach Castel Gandolfo

You can get to Castel Gandolfo by either train, bus or car.

If you are traveling by train, board at the Roma Termini station in Rome. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Once you reach the Castel Gandolfo stop, alight, and walk toward Piazza della Liberta near the palace’s entrance.

You can also catch a bus from the Anagnina point in Rome to Castel Gandolfo. Though less frequent, a bus journey should help you reach your destination faster than a train.

What to see at Castel Gandolfo

The Apostolic Palace: Built by Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century, the Gandolfo Apostolic Palace contains Vatican-related artifacts, costumes, and former papal cars, such as the BMW owned by Pope John Paul II. During a guided tour, you can see the papal apartment’s marble flooring, portrait gallery, summer office, and even access the Pope’s private bedroom.

Pope’s Farm: This family-run farm inside the Gandolfo Palace is spread across 50 acres. It produces everything the Pope eats, such as handmade cheeses, yogurts, eggs, milk, cauliflower, and broccoli. All these are shipped daily to the Vatican. In addition to the produce, the farm has over 1,000 olive trees, some of which have been standing since 1200. 

Villa Barberini Gardens: Built where the villa of the Roman Emperor Domitian once stood, the Villa Barberini Gardens are an amalgamation of archeological ruins and natural beauty. These gardens opened to the public (2014) well ahead of Castel Gandolfo (2016). They are known for their traditional Italian garden style, such as carefully tended hedge mazes, fountains, dazzling geometric plant beds, sculptures, and ancient ruins.

Belvedere Gardens: Gandolfo is famous for its many gardens, such as the Villa Barberini, Il Giardino del Moro, the Gardens of Villa Cibo, the Magnolia Garden, and yes, the Belvedere Garden. Belvedere—meaning ‘beautiful view’ in Italian, is renowned for its cryptoporticus, a 300-meter-long covered walkway that once served as shade when Emperor Domitian went for a walk. During the WWII, the cryptoporticus served as a shelter for those fleeing from the Nazis.

Interesting facts about Castel Gandolfo

• Castel Gandolfo derives its name from a castle belonging to the 12th-century Ducal Gandolfi family
• Though it falls within the Italian territory, Castel Gandolfo is owned by the Vatican 
• Whatever the Pope eats comes from the Gandolfo Farm; this includes pecorino, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, yogurts, eggs, milk, cauliflower, and broccoli
• Some olive trees in the Pope’s Garden have stood there since 1200!

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FAQs about Castel Gandolfo

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.