Pope Leo XIV to Vacation at Castel Gandolfo This Summer

Even the Pope needs a summer holiday.

Just weeks after being named the first-ever American-born pope on May 8, Pope Leo XIV will be taking a summer holiday for rest and reflection in southern Italy. The Pope will be staying at the Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, located along the Lago Albano. 

“This afternoon, I will travel to Castel Gandolfo, where I intend to have a short period of rest,” Pope Leo XIV shared in a devotional message at Saint Peter’s Square on July 6. “I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy some vacation time in order to restore both body and spirit.”

The Pope is scheduled to visit the famed summer Papal residence through July 20, according to a news release from the Apostolic Palace and Gardens, which manages the Papal villa. During his time in the residence, he will hold Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova, along with other public prayers. This celebration of Mass holds a special meaning to Pope Leo XIV, since he attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, and was even photographed wearing a Villanova hat after becoming Pope. 

The last papal visit to Castel Gandolfo was by Pope Francis in 2012, when he made three visits over that summer. Pope Benedict XVI visited the Castel Gandolfo more frequently, with annual visits from 2005 through 2013. 

The majority of the Castel Gandolfo property was opened to the public in 2014, and visitors can purchase tickets to enter the palace and gardens. Full-price tickets are 12 Euros (about £14 USD), and can be booked on the Vatican Museums’ website.

“Wished by Pope Francis in 2014, the exceptional opening to the general public of the Apostolic Palace and the Secret Garden of Castel Gandolfo, aims to expand the cultural offerings for visitors, families, schools, university students and pilgrims, leading them to discover priceless artistic and historical treasures,” the website shares, in regards to the public visit program. 

Adorned with paintings, marble floors, and tapestries, the property and tour also feature uniforms of the Palatine Guards, as well as artifacts from the more than 500 years of history, according to the website. 

For travelers looking for a vacation similar to the Pope’s summer holiday, there are dozens of unique hotels and bed & breakfasts along the Lago Albano and the surrounding community. Best of all, many of the properties are under £200 a night. For example, the ivy-decorated and lakefront Hotel Ristorante La Culla del Lago has hundreds of positive reviews, offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and has availability for under £192.  The property describes itself as a personal oasis of well-being and has a large private garden for guests to enjoy.