Overlooking the sapphire blue and emerald green waters of Lake Albano, this stunning complex is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome.

Pope Urban VIII ordered the construction of a country home here. The views across the lake and of the surrounding hills are spectacular. Just recently Pope Francis opened a huge portion of these premises to the public.

Enjoy the visit in the Papal Gardens by an ecological open minibus. The audioguide will fill your ears with some high-quality papal trivia as you’re being driven around. Find out which pontiff installed a swimming pool, and which one laid low in Castel Gandolfo for months after handing in his resignation.