Free walking tours in Castel Gandolfo and what to see

Must-sees

Castel Gandolfo is one of the Castelli Romani, in the Alban Hills south-east of Rome. The town looks out over the rim of Lake Albano, an old volcanic crater, and has been known for centuries as the popes' summer residence. Its centre is Piazza della Libertà, with a fountain and the collegiate church of San Tommaso da Villanova, attributed to Bernini, which holds stuccoes and a Crucifixion by Pietro da Cortona.

The square is closed by the Apostolic Palace, part of the Pontifical Villas together with the gardens of the former Villa Barberini. Its park preserves remains of the villa of the emperor Domitian. Outside the palace, the pleasure lies in strolling along the corso, looking out from the viewpoints over the lake and walking down the tree-lined streets to the shore.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Castel Gandolfo. The best-known visit is the Pontifical Villas, done with a booking and combining parts of the palace with the gardens; this is the one Civitatis offers. Check beforehand what is open, as access depends on the pope's use of the residence. The rest of the town and the lake are easy to explore on your own.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the centre, the square and the viewpoints. If you add the visit to the Pontifical Villas, allow a full day, especially if you then go down to the lake for lunch or a walk. There is a regional train from Rome, so it works very well as a day trip. With two days you can also see other Castelli Romani, such as Frascati, Marino or Albano Laziale.

Where to stay

The town is small and the choice is limited: a few hotels and guesthouses in the centre, and places to stay with views on the lakeshore. Staying here gives you the lake and the town almost to yourself in the evening. If you cannot find a room, Albano Laziale and the other Castelli Romani have more options, and Rome is less than an hour away.