Vatican by train: Springtime trips to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Vatican by train: Springtime trips to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

Vatican by train: Springtime trips to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

2 April 2022

It is called the Train of the Pontifical Villas, but has been affectionately baptized “the Pope’s arrow”.

It is the convoy that from Saturday 2 April, after the break imposed by the health emergency, will resume connecting the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo and Albano Laziale, again enabling visits to the summer residence of the Popes, the "second Vatican", whose rare beauty and riches were made available to the community in 2014 by Pope Francis, who strongly wished to open to the public the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, the Apostolic Palace and its lush gardens.

With the arrival of the warm season, every Saturday, until 29 October (excluding 16 April), and with the additional dates of Monday 25 April and Thursday 2 June, it will be possible to spend an entire day among nature, art and good food.
A rich and unique offering (in Italian and English) with "departure" from the Vatican Museums (which may be visited with an audio-guide), continuing to the Vatican Gardens (audio-guide included) and, then, beginning the journey by train from the old Vatican City Railway Station: destination Albano Laziale with shuttle transfer to the Pontifical Villas. Visitors and their families (with special rates) will be welcomed by a comfortable tour with audio-guide of the Villa Barberini Gardens on a panoramic eco-friendly vehicle. At the end of the tour, and upon request, an inviting lunch of typical products will be served in the Padiglione del Riposo, the Refreshments Pavilion. For the return home, everyone will meet at 04.30/04.45 p.m.: a shuttle bus will take passengers to Castel Gandolfo station in order to board the train, due to arrive at about 06.30 p.m., at the Roma San Pietro train station.