{"id":1818,"date":"2019-10-22T05:51:07","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T05:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/?p=1818"},"modified":"2019-10-22T08:04:16","modified_gmt":"2019-10-22T08:04:16","slug":"exploring-castel-gandolfo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/exploring-castel-gandolfo","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Castel Gandolfo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Italian countryside is replete with\nincredible landscapes, jaw-dropping beauty and time-honoured traditions – and Castel\nGandolfo is no different.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in the Castelli Romani region a\nshort 37kms away from Rome, Castel Gandolfo is one of the prettiest medieval,\nhilltop towns in the peninsula. Overlooking lush greenery and glistening waters\nof the Lake Albano, no wonder this was the summertime residence of emperors,\npopes and aristocrats! Here\u2019s a nifty guide on how to explore this beautiful\npapal village teeming with oodles of history and natural beauty:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to See\/Do:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take a Quick Stroll across the Piazza della Liberta<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Castel Gandolfo is small but charming with\npretty piazzas and narrow, cobbled streets that offer quick glimpses of the volcanic\nlake and its surrounding rustic landscape. Check out Piazza della Liberta; the\nmain square is dotted with kitschy cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants that\ncome with panoramic balconies boasting picturesque views.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Otherwise, you can also visit San Tommaso\ndi Villanova, a parish church constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini under the supervision\nof Pope Alexander the VII. It contains exquisite stucco artworks and a famed\npainting of the crucifixion contributed by Pietro da Cortona, which is worth\nadmiring.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the Pontifical Palace<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The key highlight of Castel Gandolfo is the\nPapal Palace, alias the Summer Residence of Pope Urban VIII. It was constructed\nin the 17th<\/sup> century and served as a cool vacation retreat for the\nItalian nobility for centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The property belonged to the affluent\nBarberini family. The interiors speak volumes of Italian aristocracy and\nfinesse even today. Once inside, don\u2019t forget to admire the golden-gilded\nceilings, the ornate banquet table that was used for Pope\u2019s dignitary guests and\nthe sweeping views overlooking the lake, gardens and the Mediterranean Sea.\nThey will surely take you back in time. Also, the grand Barberini Gardens need\na special mention. Filled with arrays of pine trees, sculpted fountains, parterres\nand terraces, the garden is spectacular. A guided tour is highly recommended. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A couple of years back, Pope Francis made\nthe Barberini Gardens and the Pontifical Palace open to the public. Tours and\ntickets are now available on the official Vatican website.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in private tours of Rome for families<\/a><\/strong>? Reach us at Vatican Tours<\/a><\/strong>; our team of expert guides will help you plan the perfect itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend Some Quiet Moments along the Shores of Lake Albano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of spending hours wandering around\nthe town, tread down to the paved lakeside promenade and soak in the tranquil\natmosphere. The calm, sapphire-blue waters of the lake add to the beauty. Temporary\nstalls and restaurants line the steep road. However, if you are into adventurous\nsports, there are numerous places along the lake that offer kayak, boat and\npedalo rentals. Even bicycle rentals are available for exploring the\nsurrounding regions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dine at Ristorante Pagnanelli<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People flock to Castel Gandolfo for three\nreasons: fresh air, panoramic views of gorgeous Lake Albano and sumptuous meals\nprepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Plus, it\u2019s just 40 minutes away from\nRome\u2019s Termini Station!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessed with insane views and a delicious\nmenu, Pagnanelli is our go-to restaurant in the district. The lunch scene here\nis DIVINE: an amazing terrace complete with an unbeatable\nview of the pristine lake. The food served is an eclectic mix of fresh fish and\ntime-honoured meat dishes \u2013 accompanied by lots of wine. Their extensive cellar\nhouses some of the finest wines in Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more in-depth travel guides on\nRome? Browse through our blog archives at Vatican\nTours<\/strong>. Hope they will help you!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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