Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo

The Papal Palace contains several buildings within a 135-acre complex, including a 17th-century villa, observatory, and farmhouse surrounded by cultivated lands.

The Vatican acquired this property in 1596 as payment from the Savelli family, with Swiss-Italian architect Carlo Maderno designing the main structure for Pope Urban VIII.

The palace preserves centuries of papal history through its architecture, gardens, and collections, reflecting the evolution of Vatican leadership beyond Rome.

Visitors can explore the palace interior, Barberini Gardens, and surrounding grounds through guided tours available from Tuesday through Sunday with specific entry times.

During World War II, the palace provided shelter to numerous Jewish refugees under Vatican protection while serving as a sanctuary during the 1944 bombing raids.

Location: Castel Gandolfo

Architects: Carlo Maderno

Part of: Pontifical Villas in Castel Gandolfo

Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy

Opening Hours: Dimanche: 10:00 - 17:00

Phone: 0669863111

Website: http://vaticanstate.va/content/vaticanstate/en/monumenti/castel-gandolfo.paginate.1.html

GPS coordinates: 41.74710,12.65030

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:51