You need a sunny day to plan a visit to one of the most impressive villages of the Castelli Romani. Castel Gandolfo, famous summer residence of the popes, with its beautiful gardens, the remains of the Villa di Domiziano and the Fattoria Vaticana, has been included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy for its elegant historic centre and the surrounding, breath-taking nature.
On the square of the village, two works by Bernini welcome the visitors: the Collegiate Church of San Tommaso di Villanova and the fountain. It is also possible to visit the Papal Palace, which houses the Pontifical Astronomical Observatory, the so-called Specola Vaticana.
The square also fascinates us with the oldest mailbox in Italy, which, as you can read on the plaque above, was installed in 1820 for the delivery of the mail. Along the streets of the village, you will find panoramic spots, from which you can admire Lake Albano with its surrounding woods and even the City of Rome!
This territory was crossed by the ancient Via Francigena, along the stretch that descended from Rome towards Brindisi and then Jerusalem. You also can cover the only 10-kilometer long stretch between Nemi and Castel Gandolfo.
Inspired by history, we get down to the volcanic lake for a relaxing walk or to practice sports, such as bike, canoe or sailboat, and take an electric boat ride along the so-called Path of Water.
You can also admire interesting Roman attractions overlooking the lake, such as the Doric Nymphaeum, the Bergantino Nymphaeum and the outlet of the lake.
Useful information: Municipality of Castel Gandolfo – https://www.comune.castelgandolfo.rm.it/
Visit Castel Gandolfo – info@visitcastelgandolfo.it
Boat ride every day (from the first weekend of March to the first one in November) from 10.00 AM to sunset.
Reservation required, tel. 3476104110 (Federico Bronzi)