Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo, Italy, 00040
Castel Gandolfo is one of the prettiest of the Castelli Romani, a group of 17 medieval walled villages just outside Rome. The town is best known for its Apostolic Palace—a historic summer residence for popes, now a museum with scenic gardens and ruins from Emperor Domitian’s villa. With sweeping views over Lazio’s rolling hills and Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo offers a nearby respite from Italy’s bustling capital city.
The Basics
Castel Gandolfo is one of the medieval walled villages just outside of Rome known as the Castelli Romani, or Roman Castles. Castel Gandolfo is best known for the Pontifical Villas, or Apostolic Palace. This historic summer residence for popes includes a baroque palace, the vast Barberini Gardens, ruins from the Roman emperor Domitian’s villa, and a working farm. The Apostolic Palace was once closed to the public, but Pope Francis turned it into a museum.
Visit on a tour or a shore excursion, or opt for a food and wine tour that combines a visit with an introduction to local specialties like porchetta and Romanella wine. Adventurous travelers can take a self-driving tour of the Castelli Romani in a vintage car or on a Vespa.
Things to Know Before You Go
Tours of Castelli Romani—including the town of Castel Gandolfo and the Apostolic Palace—include a significant amount of outdoor walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
You can use small electric golf carts to tour the Barberini Gardens.
The palace and estate are not accessible to wheelchair users, but the town of Castel Gandolfo can easily be explored with a wheelchair.
How to Get There
The town of Castel Gandolfo is located about 15 miles southeast of Rome, in the Lazio countryside, and can be reached by car or by taking a train from the Roma Termini station. To explore the countryside and lake outside the town, it’s best to join a private or small-group tour that includes transportation to avoid having to navigate the rural roads.
When to Get There
The countryside of the Castelli Romani, the town of Castel Gandolfo, and the lush Barberini Gardens at the Apostolic Palace are at their best in spring and fall.
The Castelli Romani Rome’s Bucolic Countryside
To escape from Rome’s crowded and popular streets, head to the rolling hills of the Castelli Romani. Once a series of fortified strongholds, these historic towns, and the surrounding countryside, are among the most scenic spots in all of Italy. Towns like Castel Gandolfo, Arriccia, Nemi, and Frascati offer medieval charm and sweeping views, and the area is known for excellent sheep cheese, cured pork, and red wine.
Ways to explore
A popular shore excursion or day trip from Rome, Castel Gandolfo has tours and activities for every traveler. Dive into the art and history of the Pontifical Villas on a private tour, admire the village from the water on a Lake Albano kayaking trip, or see the highlights of Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, and other villages on a full-day Castelli Romani excursion. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a self-driving tour of the Castelli Romani by vintage car or Vespa, or taste the area’s excellent cured pork, baked goods, and white wine on a food and wine-focused tour.
Accessibility
Some attractions in Castel Gandolfo are not wheelchair accessible, while others have services for visitors with limited mobility; for example, the Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex has a free golf cart tour through the gardens.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Water bottle, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, a change of clothes for lake activities
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the hilltop town and clothing that covers your legs and shoulders for visiting the Pontifical Villas.
Not allowed
Castel Gandolfo is known for its peaceful, unspoiled nature, so do not litter or play loud music while lounging lakeside.
Address
Castel Gandolfo is located about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Rome in the Alban Hills (Colli Albani). To easily explore the countryside and lake outside the town, it’s best to join a guided Castelli Romani tour that includes transportation, though you can also get to Castel Gandolfo by car or public transportation.
Driving
Take Via Appia Nuova/SS7 and exit at SP140 for Castel Gandolfo. You’ll find several parking lots and garages in town on the west side of Lake Albano.
Public transportation
Aside from guided tours, the train is the best way to get from Rome to Castel Gandolfo. A direct line from the Roma Termini train station takes 45 minutes to reach the village.
Best times to visit
It takes a few hours to explore Castel Gandolfo’s highlights—or a full day on a Castelli Romani tour—so aim to set off in the morning.
Best days to visit
Castel Gandolfo is a popular day trip for both Romans and visitors, so try to go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere.
Best months to visit
August to October are the ideal months to visit Castel Gandolfo, when the hilltop town has fresher temperatures than Rome and the area’s winemakers are busy with the fall grape harvest.
Special events
Celebrate Castel Gandolfo’s favorite fruit with markets and parades during the Peach Festival at the end of July, or join cultural events for St. Sebastian on September’s Patron Saint’s Day.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!