A lakeside hill-town day trip to the former papal summer residence.
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
Travellers on a budget
Couples
Solo travellers
Anyone here to unwind
Nature lovers
Photographers
Depends
If you've only got a day
Families with kids
History & culture buffs
Not for
—
Worth it for travellers on a budget, couples and solo travellers.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
The Apostolic Palace and the sprawling Barberini Gardens — the popes' summer retreat, sealed for centuries — are now open to tour, including the private papal apartments and a garden train.
Not independently verified — estimated
A pretty hill town overlooking the volcanic Lake Albano, a calm green escape from the city's crush.
Not independently verified — estimated
Beyond the palace and gardens the town is relaxing rather than spectacular, so sight-hungry travellers may find it slight.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
As a couple
Come for the now-open papal palace and gardens; the lake and lunch are the relaxing bonus around it.
Multigenerational
The palace and garden train are gentle and unhurried — a low-effort way to see something genuinely new.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
~€20 + train
Time
Half-day / full day
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
A clear day to enjoy the lake views; lakeside is pleasant in warmer months.
Getting there
Regional train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo in the Castelli Romani hills.
Booking
Palace and gardens entry is around €20; book the gardens tour ahead.
Accessibility
Hilly town with slopes and steps; the lakeside and palace involve uneven ground.