August 15, 2025, 12:01 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Just this week, Pope Leo XIV announced he would take a break at the papal summer residence. Located right on the shores of Lake Albano and not far from the Italian capital, the town of Castel Gandolfo, with its 8,500 residents, is a popular destination not only for religious visitors.

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Castel de Gandolfo as the Summer Residence of the Popes

Castel Gandolfo has a long history as a vacation spot for popes. As early as the 17th century, the first pope, Urban VIII, spent his summer retreat in the Italian town. The location was especially appreciated for its setting between the Alban Hills and Lake Albano. Additionally, the pontiff doesn’t have to travel far: The town is only about 25 minutes from Rome.

Originally, Castel Gandolfo served as a Roman imperial residence during antiquity and became a castle for two noble families in the Middle Ages. In 1596, the estate fell to the Vatican due to unpaid debts. Nearly three decades later, Pope Urban VIII had it expanded into a baroque palace and used it as a summer residence. After a hiatus under Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will return there in 2025.

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Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is located in the historic center of Castel Gandolfo, right on Piazza della Libertà, and is traditionally considered the official summer residence of the pope. It once housed both living quarters and various workspaces for the head of the Catholic Church. Since 2016, however, the previously closed palace has been open to visitors. During Pope Francis’s tenure, some of the former chambers were opened to the public. According to the portal “Walks inside Rome,” visitors can tour the pope’s private chapel and the gallery of papal portraits, among other rooms. Pope Leo XIV himself will not stay in the Apostolic Palace this summer but will reside in the nearby Villa Barberini on the grounds, as reported by “Vatican News.”

Lago Albano

Another place not to be overlooked in Castel Gandolfo is Lake Albano, also known as Lago Albano. The approximately 170-meter-deep lake was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Alban Hills. Along the shores of the roughly three-kilometer-long body of water, there are not only small bathing spots but also various viewpoints in the surrounding hills that offer great views of the lake. Some restaurants and cafes are also located right by the water. A small lakeside path below the old town leads to less frequented bathing spots and fishing areas. However, the lake is not always suitable for swimming: According to ADAC, it has no natural inflow, so its water quality can change seasonally.

Barberini Gardens

If you have a fondness for botanical gardens, you can visit the Barberini Gardens (Giardini di Villa Barberini). They are part of the papal summer residence and accessible through guided tours of the grounds. Covering about 55 hectares, the gardens feature various themed areas such as the Magnolia Garden, the Rose Path, the Path of Aromatic Herbs, the Nymph Path, the Oak Square, and the Belvedere Garden, according to the website “Musei Vaticani.” In addition to plants, the gardens also contain numerous archaeological ruins, including an ancient theater and the cryptoporticus, an underground vaulted corridor.

Traveling to Castel de Gandolfo

From Germany, the easiest way to reach Castel Gandolfo is by flying to Rome-Fiumicino or Rome-Ciampino. From the airport, it’s about a 25-minute drive to Castel Gandolfo. Alternatively, you can take a train to the center of Rome, usually to Roma Termini station, and then continue with a regional train to Castel Gandolfo.

You can also spend several days in Castel Gandolfo; there are various hotels and vacation accommodations of different price ranges.