Castel Gandolfo è una città a sud-est di Roma sul Lago Albano. La città è meglio conosciuta come residenza estiva del Papa. La città fa anche parte dello Stato del Vaticano. Anche se i turisti a Castel Gandolfo sono pochi, i turisti che vanno possono vedere i vari veicoli usati del Papa, vedere i Giardini Barberini e anche bellissime viste sul lago. I giardini sono perfetti per sedersi, pregare, meditare e stare in pace. Sulle colline, si può vedere l'appartamento del Papa e si può anche vedere la stanza in cui Papa Francesco ha parlato con Papa Benedetto XVI o anche la camera da letto di Papa Giovanni Paolo II. C'è una strada con vari negozi, bar, e ristoranti. La prossima volta che sarai a Roma, l’autore ti suggerisce di andare a Castel Gandolfo per un giorno, soprattutto perché forse non è più aperto al pubblico nel futuro.

A mere 25km (15.5 miles) southeast of Rome on enchanting Lake Albano and tucked in the Alban Hills, lies beautiful Castel Gandolfo with the adjoining Barberini Gardens. Better known as the Pope's summer residence and part of the Vatican State, this hidden gem is often overlooked by visitors to Rome.

Upon ascending to the Papacy, Pope Francis, who is world-known and admired for dismissing the near royal trappings bestowed on the head of the Catholic Church, opted to forego use of the summer Papal apartment, and ordered that the Vatican open the site to those willing to arrange the one-hour train ride or organized guided tour trip from Rome. This rare opportunity for visitors may not last during future Papacies, therefore, a full day excursion or relaxing overnight stay should be included as part of a Roman holiday itinerary.

Castel Gandolfo is divided into two separate parcels with access heavily restricted. Totaling just over 100 acres, the smaller parcel hosts the Papal apartment, and a short walk through the tiny, gated Village of Castel Gandolfo brings you to the much larger and equally restricted Barberini Gardens. It is strongly advised to organize your tour or acquire your admission tickets far in advance of your visit.

The apartment complex houses a small parcheggio where it is possible to view various automobiles used by the Popes through the years as well as stand below the balcony where many Popes stood to give Papal blessings to the faithful. But it is the opportunity to walk through the actual apartment that alone renders the visit unforgettable.

After one walk up to the second level, you are treated to spectacular lake views, and the perfumed welcome through the open windows by the gentle lake winds of the vines, herbs, and trees of the Tuscan-like hillsides. You can almost touch the Pope's private desk and stand in the very room where Pope Francis formally met with Pope Benedict XVI just after the latter's resignation. You will learn that this was one of the few visits to Castel Gandolfo ever made by Pope Francis. Stand in the Pope's bedroom and discover how Pope John Paul II had his bed turned during his post assassination attempt recuperation, to face his private chapel so that he could experience Mass every day. See a special room used to welcome visiting dignitaries with peaceful views over Lake Albano. Walk through the working office of the Pope and see the attached offices for his private secretary and attaches.

Following a small walk through the village filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, you can enter the gated Barberini Gardens, a 100-acre sculptured paradise where Popes through the years enjoyed the quite peace to meditate far from the confusion and confines of the wall encapsulating Vatican City in Rome.

It is estimated that 25,000 people a day visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum in Rome, with even more on the weekends. Yet, in sharp contrast, on our recent full day visit to Castel Gandolfo, my wife Paula and I, including small, guided tour groups, were accompanied by maybe 100 other visitors. It was such a pleasure and privilege to experience Castel Gandolfo without elbowing our way to witness the treasures of the Papal apartment and to walk in peace through the Barberini Gardens.

Become part of the history and tranquility of Castel Gandolfo during your next trip to Rome while the opportunity continues to be afforded by the Vatican.