Castel Gandolfo Attractions

In Castel Gandolfo is the Pope's summer residence, the construction of which was begun by Urban VIII in 1624. The property enjoys extraterritorial status as part of Vatican City. From the little town, which according to legend was founded by Aeneas' son Ascanius and which, as Alba Longa, was later destroyed by Rome, there are wide-ranging views over the Roman Campagna, extending as far as the dome of St Peters, and down to the Alban Lake. In the main square, opposite the Papal palace, is the church of San Tommaso di Villanova by Bernini.