Italy is a popular vacation destination, offering an abundance of stunning beaches, amazing food, and unforgettable experiences. From Milan to Sicily, everyone wants to experience la dolce vita summer.
There is however a way, to escape the big crowds and sizzling heat of Rome. Nestled in the Alban Hills, above Lake Albano just 25 kilometres from the capital of Romе, Castel Gandolfo offers a quiet getaway to Italy lovers.
For centuries, this charming small town (8,900 residents) has served as a vacation spot for popes, offering them an escape from the Vatican. Curiously, the papal summer residence served as a refuge for Jewish people fleeing persecution during World War II. More recently, it gained renewed prominence as the backdrop for the Netflix film “The Two Popes,” which juxtaposes the contrasting perspectives on the future of the Catholic Church held by Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, Pope Francis.
This year, Poper Leo XIV has chosen namely Castel Gandolfo as his holiday spot in July and August, reviving the tradition. This practice had been caused by Pope Francis, who never really left the Vatican for a vacation, preferring to stay at his Casa Santa Marta residence. This move led the little town to initially endure an economic hit.
After this, the pontiff transformed the papal residence into a museum, opening its gardens to the public. Visitors can begin their tour in the courtyard, where old popemobiles and other papal vehicles are on display. Inside the palace, they can glimpse the papal bedroom, study, and chapel. The last pope to use the palace was Benedict XVI, who resided there after his 2013 resignation and made his final public appearance as pope from its balcony.
Now, 12 years later, the residence is coming back to life, but Pope Leo is not going to revert to past practices. He will not be residing in the papal palace, but instead, he’ll be staying at the Villa Barberini, offering a view of Lake Albano. Additionally, the villa is located in the ruins of a former Roman Emperor, Domitian’s first-century villa.
Castel Gandolfo is a spot not just for the pope but for tourists, which the town heavily relies on. Moreover, it has been voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, so even those not interested in the pope specifically can admire its beauty and charm. Besides the papal palace, travellers can visit the Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, designed by the great Roman baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. People seeking adventure can rent a bike to explore what’s in the area or opt for a boat on the lake. There are also a variety of cafés and restaurants in the main square and along the lake, allowing for a time well-spent.