Castel Gandolfo

Castel  Gandolfo​

⭐ Ranked #69 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
Latest page update: 1 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
The lakeside town of Castel Gandolfo is situated within the Metropolitan City of Rome, on the shores of Lake Albano. It has a population of around 9,000 residents and is located 24 kilometres south-east of Rome, the regional capital of Lazio.

Aside from its lakeside charms and historic centre, the town is most famous as being the summer residence of the Pope.

What People Ask About Castel Gandolfo

Where is Castel Gandolfo located?
Castel Gandolfo is located in the Alban Hills overlooking Lake Albano, about 25 km southeast of Rome. It is part of the Castelli Romani area in the Lazio region.
What is Castel Gandolfo known for?
Castel Gandolfo is best known as the summer residence of the Popes. The Apostolic Palace, which includes gardens and a museum, is open to the public. The town also offers lake views, historic streets, and good restaurants.
Can you visit the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo?
Yes, the Apostolic Palace and its gardens are open to visitors. Tickets can be booked through the Vatican Museums, and guided tours are available of both the palace and Barberini Gardens.
How do you get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome?
Castel Gandolfo has its own train station, with regular regional trains from Roma Termini. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and the station is around 10 minutes on foot from the historic centre.
Can you go swimming in Lake Albano?
Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Albano. There are beaches and lidos along the lakeshore, particularly on the opposite side from the town centre, and water sports are also available in summer.
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Overview

Overview
Two towns in one
Castel Gandolfo is one of the towns that makes up the area known as Castelli Romani, along with notable neighbours such as Frascati, Nemi and Marino. There are two prominent lakes in the area with Castel Gandolfo looking down from its position in the Alban Hills on to Lake Albano.

On first arrival in the town its lakeside aspect may escape you aside from the beautiful views, but if you follow the road down to the lake you'll find yourself in a fully-blown lakeside resort that's teeming with swimmers in the summer. 

The town occupies a large area on the western shores of Lake Albano and its elevated historic centre is not to be missed. You know you're somewhere special when there's a Bernini fountain in the town's main square: Piazza della Libertà.

​The pretty square is edged with a number of shops, bars and restaurants, with the beautiful Parocchia di San Tommaso da Villanova in one corner. However, despite the Bernini fountain and the historic church, the main building that looks out onto the square is the Palace of Castel Gandolfo. ​

Things to Do

Things to Do
The Pope's summer residence
The seventeenth century Palazzo Apostolico di Castel Gandolfo was for many years the Pope's summer residence and nowadays you can explore its museum. The 135 acre site also includes the beautiful Giardini di Villa Barberini, just south of the historic centre. 

​The Castelli Romani area is fertile ground for exploration; Lake Albano is the larger of the two lakes in the area but Lake Nemi is beautiful nonetheless and its eponymous town is one of the most charming in the Lazio region.

​Nemi is one of the Orange Flag Towns of Italy, an award given for a small number of towns that meet certain touristic criteria, while Castel Gandolfo itself is one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). 
Tours & Activities
Comune di Castel Gandolfo
Province: ​Metropolitan City of Rome

Region: ​Lazio

Population: 8,651​ (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 14 km²

Elevation: 246 metres

Highlights: Giardini di Villa Barberini, swimming in Lake Albano

​​Fly to: ​​Rome Fiumicino Airport - 30 minutes by car (40 km)​​​

​Close by: ​Frascati, Genzano di Roma, Albano Laziale, Lake Nemi
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Il Buen Retiro dei Papi (The Pleasant Retreat of the Popes)

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Hotel Castel Vecchio Situated in a historic building overlooking Lake Albano, this elegant hotel features classically furnished rooms, a panoramic rooftop terrace, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Guests appreciate the lake views, proximity to the Papal Palace, and on-site parking. €€€ (high-end)
  • Atlantis Inn Castelgandolfo Located in the centre of the old town, this boutique guesthouse offers stylish rooms, some with balconies overlooking the lake or piazza, and easy walking access to shops and restaurants. Visitors enjoy the tasteful interiors, friendly service, and central location. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Castel Gandolfo Positioned on the main street of the historic centre, just steps from the Papal Palace, this hotel offers comfortable rooms—many with lake views—and a breakfast terrace. Guests value the welcoming staff, excellent location, and panoramic views over Lake Albano. €€€ (high-end)
  • Casa Vacanza Nonna Caterina A well-equipped holiday apartment with a private terrace and lake view, located in a quiet residential area close to the town centre. Visitors enjoy the space, convenience of a kitchen, and short walk to both the lake and the historic core. €€ (mid-range)
  • La Locanda del Pontefice Set in the hills above Castel Gandolfo with sweeping views of Lake Albano, this refined villa hotel offers spacious suites, a gourmet restaurant, and peaceful surroundings. Guests appreciate the elegant setting, private terraces, and romantic atmosphere. €€€€ (luxury)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Ristorante La Locanda del Pontefice: Situated near the town centre, Ristorante La Locanda del Pontefice offers a refined menu featuring traditional Roman dishes, including pasta with amatriciana and slow-cooked meats. The elegant setting and attentive service make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Trattoria Pagnanelli: Located near the lake, Trattoria Pagnanelli specializes in fresh seafood and traditional Italian fare, including grilled fish and pasta. The scenic outdoor seating area offers views of Lake Albano, providing a perfect atmosphere for a relaxed dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Belvedere: Found close to the famous Papal residence, Ristorante Belvedere offers a variety of Italian dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and Mediterranean flavours. The panoramic views of the surrounding countryside make it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Osteria dei Castellani: Situated in the historic centre of Castel Gandolfo, Osteria dei Castellani offers traditional Lazio cuisine, including dishes such as porchetta and cacio e pepe. The warm, rustic interior and friendly service create a welcoming atmosphere for a casual meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • La Pergola: Located near the town's main square, La Pergola specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, including handmade pasta and fresh seafood. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent wine list make it a great place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

Photo Gallery

Close  to  Castel  Gandolfo

  • Albano Laziale (approx. 5 km north of Castel Gandolfo): A historic town with a rich medieval heritage, Albano Laziale is known for its beautiful Cattedrale di San Pancrazio and the tranquil Lake Albano. The town offers a variety of restaurants, local shops, and scenic views of the surrounding hills and countryside, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out.
  • Frascati (approx. 10 km northwest of Castel Gandolfo): Famous for its Frascati wine, this charming town is known for its elegant villas, such as Villa Aldobrandini, and its picturesque old town. Visitors can enjoy the lively Piazza San Pietro and explore the town’s historic architecture, while also indulging in local wines at one of the many enotecas.
  • Nemi (approx. 10 km southeast of Castel Gandolfo): Set on the edge of Lake Nemi, Nemi is a small, peaceful town known for its stunning lake views and the Museo delle Navi Romane, which houses ancient Roman ships recovered from the lake. The town is also famous for its wild strawberries, which are celebrated in local festivals and culinary dishes.
  • Rocca di Papa (approx. 15 km north of Castel Gandolfo): A hilltop town offering sweeping views of the Castelli Romani region, Rocca di Papa is known for its historic centre and the Santuario della Madonna del Tufo. The town is a great starting point for hiking in the surrounding hills, with several trails leading to scenic viewpoints and nearby forests.
  • Grottaferrata (approx. 5 km north of Castel Gandolfo): Known for its historic Abbazia di San Nilo, a Byzantine monastery, Grottaferrata is a quiet town surrounded by greenery. The abbey offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful grounds to explore, and the town itself is home to several traditional restaurants serving local Italian cuisine.
Lazio Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lazio

​1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. ​Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
​4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
​​6. Ostia Antica
​7. Cività di Bagnoregio
​8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. ​Gaeta

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio

Castel  Gandolfo  Travel

By Rail: Castel Gandolfo has its own railway station on the Rome–Albano Laziale line. Trains from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo run approximately every hour, with a journey time of about 43 minutes. The station is located below the town centre, which is accessible by a steep uphill walk of around 10 to 15 minutes.

By Road: Castel Gandolfo is located approximately 25 km southeast of central Rome. Driving from Rome takes around 45 minutes via the SS7 (Via Appia). From the A1 motorway, exit at Monte Porzio Catone and follow local roads through Marino or Albano Laziale to reach Castel Gandolfo.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Rome Ciampino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino): Situated about 10 km northwest of Castel Gandolfo, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or reach Ciampino railway station for a short train ride to Castel Gandolfo.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino): Located around 40 km west of Castel Gandolfo, the drive takes approximately 50 minutes. You can also travel by train from the airport to Roma Termini, then change to a regional train to Castel Gandolfo.

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