Up to an hour

Castel Gandolfo, Papal Apartments, Secret Gardens & Astrological Domes Guided Tour

Explore the Vatican’s natural, historical, and scientific wonders.


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What you'll do

Take a trip to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. This guided tour seamlessly blends art, astronomy, Vatican history, and nature. It’s a great way to step away from the hustle and bustle of Rome and enjoy some time in nature.  

Enjoy captivating views of Lake Albano and the Alban Hills from the Papal Apartments. Your engaging guide will show you where scientists conducted celestial research at the Astronomical Observatory and share stories about how they contributed to modern astronomy. You will find impressive telescopes and astronomical domes here. 

The beautiful Papal Apartments have hosted many Popes over the years – tour the elegantly decorated rooms with your guide and get an insight into what life was like for the papal figures in summertime. 

Take a serene stroll through the Secret Garden, a botanical retreat just behind the Papal residence. Framed with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and manicured pathways, this oasis is a beautiful place to relax, just as the Popes did before you. 

So, if you’re interested in astronomy, Vatican history, or you love peaceful gardens, this Castel Gandolfo guided experience is for you. 


What's included

  • Entrance to Castel Gandolfo, including Papal Apartments, Secret Gardens, and Astronomical Domes 

  • Guided tour 


Reservations

Booking required

There’s no need to pre-book this attraction ahead of your trip. You’ll do this on your first day in Rome at our Concierge desk, located at Touristation, Piazza d’Aracoeli, 16.  



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Where you'll be

Piazza della Libertà , Castel Gandolfo (Rome), Rome, Italy

Where you'll meet

Ticket pick-up location: Concierge Service, Touristation Ara Coeli Office, Piazza d’Ara Coeli, 16

Meeting point: Piazza della Libertà - Castel Gandolfo 

Standard opening hours

Monday
Tour times10:00 AM
Tuesday
Tour times10:00 AM
Wednesday
Tour times10:00 AM
Thursday
Tour times10:00 AM
Friday
Tour times10:00 AM
Saturday
Tour times10:00 AM
Sunday
Tour times10:00 AM

Closings & holidays

Vatican Bank Holidays 

Find out more

For more information, visit the Touristation website

+393496966958, +390669942315

https://www.touristation.it/tours/escursioni-fuori-porta/castel-gandolfo-astronomical-domes-papal-apartments-secret-garden-experience

Also included on Rome passes

We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with audio tour and multimedia video
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - reserved entry

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