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Castel Gandolfo Travel Guide: 35 reviews and 59 photos
Castel Gandolfo is one of the Castelli Romani, one of the hill towns around Rome. It is situated on the edge of a volcanic lake, which makes for cooler weather than Rome and marvelous scenery.
Most tourists never make it to Castel Gandolfo, which is too bad - or maybe not, since even in July, you can walk the streets at night and be the only tourists in town!
The photo here is taken from just down the hill inside the crater. It's hard to tell but I think the dome in the center of the photo is a part of an observatory on the Papal Palace.
Volcanos have been an important part of Italian history. Recall the events that occurred with Mount Vesuvius in the area of Naples, and the current eruptions of Mt. Etna today in Sicily.
This volcano is now extinct, and the crater has filled with water.
Rome in the summer becomes quite warm. However, towns arround Rome in the hills are not only cooler, but the breezes off the water make Castel Gandolfo considerably more comfortable than Rome in August.
For this reason, the Pope traditionally comes to his palace here in Castel Gandolfo every year in late July and stays for about 6 weeks.
- Pros:lovely small hill town near Rome
- Cons:not on the beaten path
- In a nutshell:more Italy than the big cities
Reviews (5)
Taking a Chair Lift
Transportation
(2)
Many years ago, it was possible to take a chair lift from Castel Gandolfo down to the level of the lake, where there was... more travel advice
See the Pope
Favorites
(1)
While the Pope is in residence (generally late July through August), when possible, he holds the equivalent of a... more travel advice
The Papal Palace
Things to Do
(1)
As noted, the Pope has a palace in Castel Gandolfo where he normally spends 6 weeks or so in the summer. When the Pope... more travel advice
Restaurants Over the Lake
Restaurants
(1)
There are 4 or 5 restaurants in Castel Gandolfo that overlook the lake. Who cares what the menu is - go during the day... more travel advice
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Comments (13)
I really like these type of villages and Italy has so many. You did a great job of showing the village and the culture.
Beautiful restaurants on the lake. Yes, with that kind of a view it's not so important what's on the menu. Glad there is good train service from Rome.
Greetings from Cape Breton. I'm still enjoying your many Italian pages. I had good friends in Castelgondolfo, and you're right, there were not to many tourists there. Cheers.
This looks like a place to go to.
Back for a revisit
Great look at some small towns in Italy!
Thanks for the great tip! we'll try to make our way here if we can confirm the Pope will be here, (20-24 July) and also his public appearance time... noon angelus on sunday like the Vatican if by chance you know? ciao
a nice little page Bill, l recently read a novel thet mentioned Castel Gandalfo, its nice to put a picture to a name
next time in Italy I'll go there and make a page Bill! actually if you wanted a glimpse of the pope this sounds a lovely way.
You are right about the dome on the photo, it is indeed part of the Pope's palace observatory! (I write this in order for you to correct it on your page and help VT become as accurate as possible!) Greetings, nice page!
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