Overview:

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, also known as the Pope's Palace, is the residence of the Pope in the Vatican City. This estate is located in Italy, in the municipality of Castel Gandolfo, located 15 miles away from Rome. This palace has been owned by the Holy See since 16th century and served as the Pope's summer residence for a long time. The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is a large complex composed of many buildings, a garden, and a magnificent park, full of artistic statues and fountains. The palace is surrounded by medieval walls and is guarded by the Swiss Guard. Visitors can admire some great interiors like the Clementine Hall, richly decorated in the 17th century style; the Audience Hall, with its huge art collections; the Apartment of Pius XII and Pius VIII, sumptuously furnished; the Apostolic Library and the Pontifical Villas. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is located in the Vatican City and is the summer residence of the Pope. The palace itself was built in 1596 and has been visited by many important international figures and dignitaries over the centuries. It is renowned for its lavish gardens, opulent Art Collection, and its beautiful views overlooking Lake Albano. An important part of the Castel Gandolfo experience is exploring the multiple terraces and galleries, where you will find impressive marble sculptures and historic frescoes. The building also has its own Library, Observatory, and also houses an art collection which holds works from renowned artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. One of the most iconic features of the palace is the Papal Apartment, which is a small palace, located within the grounds of the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope himself will stay during the summer months. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo in Vatican City has a long and varied history. First inhabited by Roman nobles in the 16th century, the castle grew in size and stature over the next several centuries under the patronage of the powerful Barberini family. In 1596, the Barberinis purchased the property along with the local villa, which was used to house the Pope as a summer residence when Rome became too hot and crowded. The palace continued as a summer residence until the reign of Pope John Paul II, who much preferred to stay in Vatican City, though he still went to Castel Gandolfo for short visits, such as official meetings with foreign dignitaries. The property was owned by the Vatican until 2014, when it was sold to an Italian real estate developer that agreed to restore and preserve the ancient site. Other than the papal gardens, the palace is now mostly used for sightseeing and open to the public. The Apostolic Palace is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a number of ancient artifacts and buildings, including who papal apartments (which are open to the public for visits) as well as the papal library, that was moved to the Vatican Library in 1999. Many of the former chambers, gardens, and the old casino are currently used for public events. Return of the palace to Italian ownership was a bit controversial, but the Vatican took the necessary steps to ensure the palace's historical integrity, and the developer committed to preserving the site. The palace is now open to all for exploration and appreciation. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

\ 1. The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is the official summer residence of the Pope. It is located in the town of Castel Gandolfo, 25 km southeast of Rome. 2. The palace has served as an occasional residence of the Pope since Pope Urban VIII bought the estate in 1626. 3. The complex includes a villa, extensive gardens, a small zoo, an observatory, a golf course, a synagogue, and a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. 4. The palace is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months when the Pope is in residence. 5. In 2013, Pope Francis suspended the summer residence tradition and instead stayed at a Vatican guest house. The palace is currently being used for retreats and public events. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.