Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is well-known for the papal summer residence here, which has been open to the public since 21 October 2016, after Pope Francis announced that he would no longer use Castel Gandolfo as a summer residence.

the famous papal summer residence

The name "Castel Gandolfo" has been synonymous with the (former) summer residence of the popes located there for centuries. The buildings have been open to visitors as a museum since 2016, and the “Laudato Si” environmental center has been under construction in the extensive gardens since 2024.
Much less well-known is an episode from the time of the Second World War: namely that in 1944 the entire complex was opened by the Holy See / Vatican to refugees (reputable estimates put the number at 12,000 to 15,000 people there) and all warring parties were expressly aware of the extraterritory status of the site have been informed. The roofs were painted yellow and white, the Pope's colors. Nevertheless, there were two devastating bomb attacks there with over 500 deaths. There is currently an exhibition providing information about the time 80 years ago.