Overview:

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo in the Vatican-City are a complex of buildings located in the southeast of the Vatican City near Albano Laziale and the town of Castel Gandolfo in the Italian region of Lazio. The complex is surrounded by a large park and gardens. It is the official summer residence of the Pope and is considered part of the Sovereign Territory of the Vatican City. It has been used as a summer residence by popes since the seventeenth century and was also the site of the papal zoo, which was closed down in the late 1990s. The property is owned and administered by the Vatican City, which uses it for various official events and religious occasions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, located in Vatican City, are a complex of villas owned by the Catholic Church and used by the Pope for centuries. The villas are comprised of the Papal Palace, the Apostolic Palace, the Palazzina di Paolo VI, and the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova. The Palazzina was designed by architect Carlo Marchionni and completed in 1762, and is said by some to be some of the most beautiful papal architecture in the world. The villas include grand gardens, terraces, and fountains, and boast numerous works of art and frescoes, as well as rich history. While the villas are not generally open to the public, they are occasionally used to host events, ceremonies, and meetings. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo are a beautiful complex of buildings located in the Lazio region of Italy, near the city of Rome. The villas have been in the possession of the Catholic Church since 1596, when Pope Clement VIII bought them from the Savello family. In 1622, Pope Gregory XV made the complex the official summer residence of the Pope, and it has remained so for the past 400 years. Throughout the centuries, the Pope has received many visitors at the estate, from emperors and kings to celebrities, scientists, and celebrities. The villas have seen many significant historic moments, including the residence of Pope Pius XII during World War II, and hosted many important guests and meetings throughout their long history. Today, the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo are an important part of Vatican City, offering majestic views and peaceful accommodations for visitors who come to learn about the history and the beauty of the Catholic Church and its leaders. In addition to providing lodging facilities, the villas also offer an interpretive center, a museum, an astronomical observatory, a botanical garden, and other attractions. The grounds also include a small chapel and a private audience chamber for the Pope. Visitors are free to explore the grounds and take in the breathtaking views of the area. The villas also offer a variety of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, and horseback riding. The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo are a part of Vatican City’s unique history, offering a glimpse into the past and providing a sense of peacefulness and relaxation during a stay at this magnificent estate. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. Castel Gandolfo is the official summer residence of the pope. Located in the Alban Hills outside of Rome, it was traditionally used as a place to escape the heat of the city, and to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the Italian countryside. 2. The papal residence in Castel Gandolfo is composed of several villas, including the Palazzina of Pope Urban VIII and Villa Cybo, as well as the Papal Apartment. 3. The famous Apostolic Palace of Pope Paul VI dates back to the 11th century, although it was significantly altered in the 18th century. 4. Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope to live in the Palace since Pope Pius IX in 1870. 5. The grounds of the Vatican-owned Villas are open to the public for visits, and contain an Observatory, an Equestrian Centre, as well as the Papal Gardens. 6. The Gardens at Castel Gandolfo were originally created by Pope Urban VIII and are still visited today by tourists and locals alike. 7. During his time as Pope, John Paul II would often take a walk in the gardens with aides and journalists. 8. Castel Gandolfo is also the home of a popular tourist site, the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, a series of villas owned by the Catholic Church. 9. The Villas are open to the public for visits, and include the Villa Barberini, the Villa Cybo, and the Villa Taverna. 10. The Villa Barberini is the oldest villa in the Pontifical Villas, and was once the residence of archbishops appointed by the pope. The Villa is now open to tourists for visits. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.