Apostolic Palace and Gardens
A few kilometers from Rome, a unique place in the world to discover the town of Castel Gandolfo. History, nature, fresh air and "welcoming people" create an extraordinary atmosphere in this historic town.
Here, on the shores of Lake Albano, is the centuries old summer residence of the popes. Now, for the first time, the Apostolic Palace and the Secret Garden are open for visitors from around the world. The public will be able to enjoy its artistic and architectural wonders, as well as a visit to hidden corners of the Pontifical Apartment. Discover how popes of the past rested and lived in these special places.
News from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
News
The Wonder of the Heavens at the Vatican Observatory
On Friday, October 31, as part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Vatican Observatory, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), presented two spe...
Exhibition of Historic Armor of the 16th and 17th Centuries at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
Military history in defense of the Papacy
For the Jubilee Year 2025, the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas, is presenting an...
Current exhibitions
History Exhibit on Papal Defense and the Conversion of Saint Paul
On Saturday, October 18, a dual exhibition opened at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo in celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025.
From 18 October 18 2025 to 1 February 2026
“Bellini and Sodoma – The Passion of Christ”
On Exhibit in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, two masterpieces by Bellini and Sodoma
From 5 April 2025 to 4 October 2025
Raphael’s Tapestry: the “Stoning of Saint Stephen” in the Hall of Popes at Castel Gandolfo
The splendid tapestry designed by Raphael Sanzio, the “Stoning of Saint Stephen”, is now exhibited with other art works in the Hall of Popes at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo.
From March 23, 2024 to December 1, 2024
Permanent exhibition “Castel Gandolfo 1944”
To remember this event, commemorate the victims and honor the great solidarity shown by Pope Pius XII, a permanent exhibition entitled “Castel Gandolfo 1944” was set up in the Apostolic Palace.
