Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence
A few kilometers from Rome is Castelgandolfo (small Italian commune), where the Pope’s summer residence is located, which for its beauty was included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Castelgandolfo is a small town that got its name from the property of the powerful Gandolfi family, and is an architectural jewel, overlooking the beautiful Lake Albano. Let’s go to our post of the day? Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
The colors and atmosphere are incredible and you can enjoy the beautiful poetic views that appear in the streets of this pleasant place. Walking, it is also possible to observe the Papal Palace, the Pope’s summer residence and many other villages and houses. All the main attractions of the city are concentrated in the Piazza della Libertà (Freedom Square) and its surrounding area. Also read Religious Tourism in Italy! and Shall we get to know religious Rome?
In addition to the papal palace, the space maintains medieval architectural structures and the two works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which are the Collegiate Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova and the central fountain. It is obvious that the Curia (subdivision of the population in ancient times) was very fond of Bernini, in fact, it seems that almost all buildings of the 17th century, at least in Lazio, belong to the Baroque Bernini. Also read What to visit near Rome? The best round trips from Rome.
1) Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence – VISIT THE PAPAL PALACE
Of course, the main attraction of this place is the Papal Palace, used until recently as a summer residence for the Popes. The palace is part of the heritage of the Holy See, from the beginning of the 17th century, and it was Pope Urban VIII who ordered the construction of the building, in the same place where the Roman village of Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus and the legendary Latin city of Alba Longa were located. How about leaving Rome for a half-day trip to the pope’s summer residence?
Pontifical Villages of Castelgandolfo
The Apostolic Palace, also called the Papal Palace, is part of the Pontifical Villages of Castelgandolfo. This property was purchased by the Holy See in the late 500s and was chosen as a summer resort for the Popes. In the first half of 600, under the control of Pope Urban VIII, construction began on the palace, which was completed a few years later, with the contribution of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest exponents of the Baroque and of whom the Pope was an admirer. Learn more about ROME!
Vatican Observatory
With the Lateran Treaty of 1929, the villages of Castelgandolfo were declared extraterritorial domain of the Holy See and several Popes began to frequent it, making changes and improvements. Among these, we can mention the transfer of the Vatican Observatory, an astronomical observatory and scientific research institution, from Rome in Castelgandolfo.
2) Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence – VISIT THE LIBRARY
The institute’s library is also home to twenty-two thousand volumes and an old meteorite collection. Pius XI did constitute the Vatican Farms, which today house fifty-five people, where there is work and housing for them and their families. The Apostolic Palace was widely used by Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who also resided there for a short time after his resignation. When the Pope is staying at the Palace, the Sunday Angelus is celebrated in the inner courtyard, the so-called Courtyard of the Hearings.
3) Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence – VISIT THE MUSEUM
Pope Bergoglio, however, proved to be contrary to the Pope’s vacation spot, in fact, he wanted Castelgandolfo, owned by the Vatican, to be associated with other rooms in the palace, which had already been transformed into a museum for some time, so he gave up all the benefits and advantages and settled on the third floor of the apostolic palace.
The Pope knows and loves simple things. For this reason, he chose to continue to lead a normal life and said, repeatedly, that he was not comfortable having an opulent residence to take a vacation when there is so much poverty and lack of jobs worldwide. Therefore, the Church had the idea of an alternative form of “occupation” of the building. In fact, as of 2015, it houses a museum of portraits and personal objects that tells the story of the Popes since 1500. In the museum, you can also visit the gardens, the palace and the Vatican area, where organic food is produced.
4) Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence – VISIT THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH
Walking through Castelgandolfo, in the streets of the Old City, you can visit the Collegiate Church of Saint Thomas Apostle of Villanova, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini under the command of Pope Alexander VII.
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Hotel I suggest near the Historic Center
If you are passionate about art and would like to stay in the center where you can move around walking, as well as having countless possibilities for places to have lunch / dinner or a snack, I advise you to stay in the historic center. Regions near the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and the Villa Borghese, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Navona can be considered as “historic center”. These are the most expensive areas, but you will be close to everything, literally!
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.
If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest near the San Giovanni Region
For those who want to find cheaper alternatives in quiet areas, but at the same time close to the means of transport to the center, I suggest the region of San Giovanni or Monti (near the metro stations San Giovanni, Castro Pretorio and Circus Massimo) – which it is a more residential neighborhood; therefore, more economical and quiet! And with just 15 minutes by subway you will be in the center too!
I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I suggest near Vatican City
An interesting area to stay and a little cheaper than the historic center is the Vatican area (Vatican Museums) which is very well connected with everything.
I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotel I suggest near Termini Station
For those who prefer to stay in neighborhoods that have good access to the rest of the city and at a better price, then you should choose accommodation in the surroundings of Termini Station (from where a dense network of public means of transport starts, serving both: the local people and tourists).
I have 3 good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest in Trastevere
For those who prefer to “taste” authentic and characteristic Rome, there is nothing better than booking a hotel in Trastevere (on the outskirts of the city’s historic river), full of typical Roman history and traditions, known for the tortuous streets of sampietrini stones and the centers medieval style housing.
The neighborhood is in the historic center and to the right of the Tevere River, in the midst of a spectacular landscape, where each visitor can observe the countless churches and squares (such as Santa Maria in Trastevere). In addition, this neighborhood offers several local restaurants and canteens for those who want to try typical Roman cuisine.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Conclusion
Visit Castel Gandolfo and see the Pope’s summer residence. And if you feel insecure, have no time, and need help to organize your trip, don’t hesitate to contact me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy come true. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier.
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