10 Best Things to Do in Castel Gandolfo, Rome

Rome is undoubtedly a fascinating destination, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of its streets and the chaos of the traffic mean that many tourists look for a quieter and more relaxing afternoon or day in nearby towns. This is where Castel Gandolfo comes into the picture, a small town located just 18 kilometres south-east of Rome on the shores of Lake Albano.

The town is known worldwide for being the place chosen by the Vatican as its holiday residence. If the Pope chose it as his summer home, then Castel Gandolfo must be pretty nice, right? In fact, the main excursion to do in the town is to visit the papal residence and its extensive gardens with all kinds of flowers and trees.

Below, I'll tell you about the best things to do in Castel Gandolfo from Rome. I also invite you to read the following post about what to do and see in Rome for a complete experience on your trip.

Castel Gandolfo has been a papal summer retreat since Pope Urban VIII built a beautiful residence there in the 17th century. Today, regardless of the religion of the tourists, the site has become a place of worship and pure history.

Pope Francis has opened the Papal Palace and the striking gardens to visitors from all over the world. On the other hand, I recommend the following article if you are interested in learning more about guided tours of the Vatican.

You can purchase tickets on the official website of the Vatican Museums, even several months in advance.

What you can do inside the papal residence

• Admire Bernini's fountain: It was designed by the Renaissance master Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
• Visit the museum located on the lower floor of the residence with all the information about the popes of the last five centuries.
• On the top floor is the exclusive accommodation of the popes, which you can explore in its entirety to get a feel for how the pontiffs spend their holidays.
• Stroll through the beautiful Barberini gardens and stop to breathe in the pure air that emanates from nature, free from smog and noise.
• Have lunch with local products produced on the Pope's farm.

The Papal Residence has specific opening hours that change daily, closing at 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. It generally opens at 8:30 a.m., although on some dates it opens at 10:00 a.m.

The small town of Castel Gandolfo is located on the shore of a beautiful lake with calm waters, ideal for enjoying water activities.

You can go kayaking while discovering the history of the place, the remains of an ancient prehistoric civilisation and the old Roman port of Villa di Domiziano.

This excursion is ideal for contemplating the beauty of nature on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Albano, but in the summer and spring months you can swim in the waters that have served as a respite for many popes in ancient times.

Don't forget to bring your best swimsuit!

Exploring the Via Appia, one of the most attractive streets in ancient Rome, on an electric or regular bike while learning about the history of Roman ruins and mausoleums is a rewarding and fascinating experience that combines physical activity and culture.

This route is 12.8 km long and can be completed in about an hour. I suggest you check the best route on Google Maps before setting off, as some sections may be closed on certain days or at certain times, for example the initial stretch from Via Appia Antica to Via del Casale della Sergetta.

You will arrive at the village of Castel Gandolfo, where you can stroll through the streets of the old town, pop into the little shops and sample the local cuisine accompanied by an exceptional red wine.

If you are passionate about this mode of transport, I recommend reading this article about the best bike tours in Rome.

This famous building is located in the main square of Castel Gandolfo, just outside the Papal Palace. This charming church was designed by Bernini and built between 1658 and 1661.

You can see intricate stucco work and admire the paintings by Pietro da Cortona
inside. Admission is free, and tourists usually stay there from a few minutes to an hour.

Without a doubt, Italy breathes history wherever you go, and Castel Gandolfo will not leave you wanting for interesting facts, culture and ancient buildings!

The Romans came to Castel Gandolfo to escape the routine of Rome, in search of fresh air and views of the lake.

Along the lake shore, you will find restaurants serving authentic Italian pasta with amazing panoramic views.

Indulge in good food

Italy is a perfect destination for food lovers, and Castel Gandolfo will not disappoint in this regard. Here you can savour traditional Roman dishes in pleasant restaurants overlooking the lake.

Ristorante Pagnanelli is undoubtedly the best-known restaurant in the town, a place loved by locals and offering breathtaking views.

The restaurant has been run by the Pagnanelli family since 1882 and serves delicious fresh fish dishes, classic meat and vegetable dishes, all accompanied by an incredible selection of wines.

After enjoying a delicious lunch and recharging your batteries, you can choose to explore one of the hiking trails in the village.

Castel Gandolfo is small but beautiful, and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to stroll through the streets of the town centre.

From small squares to sweeping views of the lake, this is a fantastic place to get away from the chaos of Rome, but also to get to know the essence of the local people, their customs and culture.

Among the main places of interest is Piazza della Libertà, where you will find a variety of small cafés and souvenir shops, as well as restaurants where you can eat outdoors with views of the lake.

In Piazza della Libertà you will also find the beautiful Bernini Fountain and the world's first post box, or at least that's what the locals say.

The Castelli Romani area, where Castel Gandolfo is located, is famous for its renowned wines, and while you are there you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy a little wine tasting.

There are numerous wineries and shops offering this service, such as Casale Marchese, with a family history dating back to the 14th century.

It is also possible to book an excursion to tour the vineyards in the area and learn about grape harvesting, ageing and all the secrets of Italian winemaking.

If you don't have much time in the village, you can go straight to "Art e Vino", a small, charming wine bar where you can also sample some local dishes.

The village of Castel Gandolfo is located in the middle of winding hills, and to reach Lake Albano you need to take a steep path from the upper part of the village where the main square is located to the shores of the lake.

The road that runs along the lake is lined with restaurants and bars on one side and beach clubs on the other.

The entire walk will take no more than two hours, but you can stop along the way to drink a coffee, cool off with an ice cream or buy a souvenir.

In the warmer months, you will find sun loungers and parasols on the black volcanic sand to enjoy a sunny day and dive into the invigorating waters of the lake.
This is what they call la dolce vita italiana!

Traveller Tip

If you're a restless spirit and love adventure, you can rent boats, pedalos and kayaks to explore the entire length and breadth of the lake. There are also bicycles available to explore the woods and surrounding area in complete freedom and fun.

If you enjoyed visiting the Vatican and delving into its history and impressive works of art, you will surely want to enhance your experience with this tour that will take you back to the origins of the first Roman settlements and allow you to discover the vineyards, orchards and olive groves that each pontiff enjoyed during the hot summer afternoons.

Located in the ancient region of Lazio Vetus, this area bordering Rome is full of beautiful villages surrounded by green hills and majestic lakes where you can walk, take excellent photographs and soak up the history of the place.

Castel Gandolfo is the centre of attention as it is the summer residence of the popes, but don't miss the villages of Ariccia and Nemi, whose castles date back to the feudal Roman era in the 14th century.

As if the picture-postcard views of lakes and mountains and the rich Roman history weren't reason enough to visit the area, you can also sample some exquisite wines.

The small, charming village of Castel Gandolfo is part of the Castelli Romani region and was built on the ruins of Alba Longa. It is located at an altitude of 436 metres above sea level.

The village takes its name from the Gandolfo family, who owned most of the local land in the 12th century and built the castle with the best views of the lake.

As early as 510 BC, the area saw the construction of many residences, including the magnificent Villa di Domiziano, which was used between 81 and 96.

It was in July 1596 that Castel Gandolfo and Rocca Priora became the property of the Vatican, after Pope Clement VIII seized them from the Savelli family, who refused to pay their debts.

The ancient region where Castel Gandolfo is located is called Castelli Romani, which means 'Castles of Rome' in its original language. This area is characterised by a group of villages situated on the Alban Hills.

The entire territory of Castelli Romana is very close to the south-east of the Eternal City and is a beautiful route to admire the natural beauty, tinged with the history of the ancient holiday villas of popes, Roman emperors and the wealthiest families of the time.

What will you see in the Castelli Romani area?

Here is a summary of the best activities in this area:

• Breathtaking views of volcanic lakes and hills.
• Archaeological finds with a rich history.
• Excellent cuisine and wines from the Italian countryside.

Whether you go on a guided tour from Rome or decide to set off on your own to Castel Gandolfo, you will pass through part of the Castelli Romana region and have the perfect opportunity to make a few stops to complete your journey and take the best photos of the local nature.

There are several options for getting to the town from the Eternal City.

You can go by train, which is the most popular option, by car (rental or shared), or on a guided tour.

Getting to Castel Gandolfo from Rome by train

A one-way train ticket from Rome Termini station to Castel Gandolfo is relatively inexpensive and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

You can check the train timetable for the day on the Trenitalia website. The train will drop you off at the station, from where you will need to cross the main road and then walk up the hill to reach the town.

Getting to Castel Gandolfo from Rome by car

If you have a rental car, you can reach Castel Gandolfo by following the A90/E80 or Appia Nuova/SS7 motorway.

The journey should take about 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Once there, you can park your car near the Apostolic Palace and stroll through the old town or head straight to the shores of Lake Albano.

Getting to Castel Gandolfo from Rome on an organised excursion

If you are staying at a hotel in Rome and would like to take a day trip to Castel Gandolfo, you can book an excursion online at a travel agency that suits your tastes.

I recommend this excursion, which is very comprehensive and dynamic. In addition, as you will have local guides, you can ask them for recommendations on where to eat or what to do in the city in your free time.

As the distance to travel is short, you can spend the whole day exploring the town, the papal residence and Lake Albano before returning to your hotel in Rome in the afternoon.

The climate in Italy is generally warm and temperate, with cooler temperatures in January and February (averaging between 5 and 15 degrees).

Winter in southern Italy is not as harsh as in the north, but it is always advisable to bring a warm coat and a sweatshirt that you can take off and put in your backpack when you get warm.

Summers are hot, especially during July and August.
The forecast can reach up to 37 degrees!

If you are visiting Castel Gandolfo in the middle of summer, there is nothing better than going down to the lake shore in your swimsuit to sunbathe and cool off in its calm waters.

As it is a lake, you can swim and dive as many times as you like without the risk of being carried away from the shore by the waves.

Spring and autumn usually offer perfect temperatures for walking outdoors, playing sports and exploring the town on foot from Piazza Libertà at the top of the hill to Lake Albano.

With all that said, I imagine you're eager to discover the charms and landscapes of this little-known but equally beautiful area around Rome!