CASTEL GANDOLFO

Head to Castel Gandolfo. Lying on the edge of Lake Albano, in the Alban Hills just south of Rome, this place is commonly known as the Pope’s city, housing the Pope’s summertime residence - The Apostolic Palace. This was the place the Pope escaped to when Vatican pressures built up. The palace dominates the town and is seated on a scenic spot overlooking the lake, with picturesque gardens built on the site of the ancient villas. Displaying a mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture, the palace is a sight for sore eyes! Meanwhile, enjoy a multilingual audio guide upon an upgrade, that will narrate a 500-year history of various popes. Drown yourself in history as you experience a holy detour. The Papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo The Papal Villas are styled gardens of Italian wonder consisting of archaeological treasures and works of art. Enjoy a regenerating walk in the vast gardens of Villa Barberini. This was the private garden of the Pope himself. A close relationship with nature is ever-present across the decorations found in the gardens with cascades of flowers and reflections on the passage of time. The Papal Villas extend over the remains of the famous Villa of Domitian. Equipped for cold and harsh weather, rich in natural beauty, sumptuous buildings, monuments, and works of art, this was the villa that once housed emperor Domitian. The villa was once a huge complex that was built on three terraces, with three courtyards, some water features that looked out on the Avenue of Nymphaea, a cryptoportico (covered passage), a theatre, and a circus.

Get more for less with the super-saver combo of the Vatican Museums, Catacombs, Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Apolistic Palace at Castel Gandolfo with this ticket. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Start your journey of the Vatican Jubilee with a guided tour of the Vatican Museum. Be greeted by the marbled floors of the Museum's most important collections that house Roman and Greek sculptures like the Apollo of the Belvedere. Head on to Michelangelo's painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with frescoes adorned by biblical figures. Feel the grandeur of the halls as the enrobed God-like figures look down from the ceilings. Roman Catacombs Move on to the eerie 2000-year-old maze of catacombs built 2000 years ago. These underground burials were created to bury the dead in ancient Rome with the lack of burials on the ground. Let your guide narrate the history of the biblical scriptures on the carved catacomb walls, with skulls and bones peeking through them. Castel Sant'Angelo Explore the encased Hadrian's Tomb, once a tomb, and a prison -- now a museum. The imposing structure is divided across five floors connected by a spiral ramp, that leads you to the hallowed chamber of ashes, and the grey prison cells in that held incarcerated historical figures. Move towards the upper part of the castle to see gold and bronze decorated rooms once the Papal residence, and take in the gleaming collection of ancient Roman weapons. Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo & Pontifical Villas Gardens Explore the Pope's summer residence on the edge of Lake Albano -- the Apostolic Palace. This scenic spot overlooks the shimmering lake, with floral and green gardens built on the site of the ancient villas. Wander the palace and admire the Baroque-style ochre-colored houses coupled with those topped with pointed arches reminiscent of Medieval style. Head on to the Papal Villas of Apolistic Palace and admire the halls decked with tapestries depicting scenes from the Bible, as the portraits of past popes adorn the walls, their faces gazing down with a sense of wisdom and authority.

Cycle on the Appian Way, reach Castel Gandolfo lake, visit a local wine cellar and enjoy traditional dishes and wines for lunch!