Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, Papal residence and museum in Castel Gandolfo, Italy
The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo is a papal residence and museum housed within a sprawling 135-acre complex containing multiple structures. The grounds feature a 17th-century villa, an observatory, functional buildings, and formal gardens with cultivated and natural areas surrounding the property.
The Church acquired the property in 1596 as payment from the Savelli family and commissioned architect Carlo Maderno to design the main structures for Pope Urban VIII. The complex was later expanded and modified to serve the needs of successive popes across the centuries.
The palace shows how popes lived away from Rome, inviting visitors to understand their daily world through the rooms and gardens. The place reflects the Church's desire to maintain a space for quiet retreat alongside its presence in the city.
Visitors can explore the interior rooms, Barberini Gardens, and grounds through guided tours available from Tuesday through Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes since the property is expansive and involves considerable walking.
During World War II, the palace sheltered Jewish refugees under Vatican protection while the surrounding area faced bombing raids. This hidden aspect of its history reveals a lesser-known role in a tragic chapter of European history.
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