Crossing the typical landscape of the Roman countryside, praised by the artists of the Grand Tour, you arrive atCastel Gandolfo, a village nestled in the hills of the Castelli Romani, located on the western shore of Lake Albano. It is one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” and is known for having been chosen by popes as their summer residence, which is why culture, art, religion, and nature blend together in perfect harmony here.
The town is part of theCastelli Romani Regional Parkand is surrounded by varied and lush nature. In addition to this, the main green area of the municipality of Castel Gandolfo is represented by the complex of the Papal Villas, an extraterritorial area of the Holy See, which consists of 55 hectares of well-kept Italian gardens overlooking the Roman countryside.
In Castel Gandolfo, you can admire the ruins of Domitian’s Alban Villa, Publius Clodius Pulcher’s Villa, the Doric Nymphaeum, the Bergantino Nymphaeum, and the Pascolare Necropolis. Also dating back to Roman times is the Emissary of Lake Albano, an artificial conduit dating back to 396 BC.
There is also the Papal Palace, built in 1628, the Villa Barberini, the Giardini del Moro, and Villa Cybo, which are part of the complex of Papal Villas.
Thanks to all these cultural treasures, the population (approximately 9,000 inhabitants) benefits greatly from tourism. Walking through the streets of Castel Gandolfo, you will notice a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, discover delightful restaurants with enchanting views, and want to return again and again to enjoy the balance that permeates this village.
