Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo (UK: /ˌkæstɛl ɡænˈdɒlfoʊ/, US: /kɑːˌstɛl ɡɑːnˈdoʊlfoʊ, -ˈdɔːl-/, Italian: [kaˈstɛl ɡanˈdɔlfo]; Latin: Castrum Gandulphi), colloquially known as Castello in the Castelli Romani dialects, is a small town located 25 km (16 mi) southeast of Rome, in the Italian region of Lazio. Situated on a hilltop in the Alban Hills with panoramic views of Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is home to approximately 8,900 residents and is renowned as one of Italy's most scenic towns. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").

Within the town's boundaries lies the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, which has served as the summer residence and vacation retreat for most popes since 1626. Although the palace is located within the boundaries of Castel Gandolfo, it holds an extraterritorial status as one of the properties of the Holy See and is not under Italian jurisdiction. It has been transformed into a museum and is now open to the public. Notwithstanding the main Apostolic Palace's current status as a museum, the Castel Gandolfo complex resumed its traditional status as the pope's summer residence and vacation retreat in July 2025.

The resort community encompasses almost the entire coastline of Lake Albano, which is surrounded by numerous summer residences, villas, and cottages that were constructed during the 17th century. It is also home to the Stadio Olimpico, which hosted the rowing events of the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics.

Castel Gandolfo has several places of archaeological interest, including the Emissario del Lago Albano and the remains of the Villa of Domitian. The area is included within the boundaries of the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani (Regional Park of Castelli Romani). There are also many points of artistic interest, such as the Collegiate Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.