Castel Gandolfo

In a splendid position overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is situated on the brink of a volcanic crater. The town is known for the beauty of the surrounding nature and its elegant old town centre encircled by the walls. It was elected as one of “The most beautiful villages in Italy” (I borghi più belli d’italia). Above all, the small town is famous for the Palazzo Pontificio where the Popes spent their summers since the 17th century. After all, Castel Gandolfo and the neighbouring towns were the favourite place to build summer residences since the Roman era, initially by Patrician families and emperors and later by the high clergy and Roman aristocracy. Evidence of the Roman time are the remains of the Villa di Domiziano to which the Ninfeo Bergantino belongs. The villas and other residences surviving to this day, such as the Church of San Tommaso di Villanova, were mostly built starting from the 17th century when Castel gandolfo became property of the the Holy See. Its history is very ancient as its origins go back to the town of Alba Longa. 

BY CAR

• From Rome: take the SS 7 Appia. At the height of the loc. Due Santi turn left taking the SP 140 which ends directly in the center of the village.
• From the south: take the Via Appia for those coming from the south. Exit the town of Albano Laziale and continue on the SP 216 to Castel Gandolfo

ON THE TRAIN

• Marino Laziale station
• Albano Laziale station
• Roma Ostiense station
• Roma Tiburtina station

BY PLANE

• Ciampino airport
• Fiumicino airport