Castel Gandolfo is a rare treat.:
A small village, it offers all the quiet and tranquillity of daily life in the Italian countryside - taking in the sun in the piazza while sipping a morning coffee; daily shopping at the local green grocery and bakery; quiet afternoons followed by the daily passeggiata; great evening meals. And yet, because of its close proximity to Rome and its location within the Alban Hills there is always something to do, someplace to go. Castel Gandolfo is one of the Castelli Romani - the castle towns of the Alban Hills. Close by and worth visiting are Frascati, Grottaferrata, Marino, Rocca di Papa, Albano, Nemi, Ariccia and Genzano.
Other exciting day trips to consider are excursions to Orvieto and Viterbo to the north of Rome; Tivoli, Subacio and Palestrina to the east; the ancient sights of Cerveteri and Ostia Antica along the coast; Sermonetta, San Felice Circeo and the Isola di Ponza to the south. Naples, Pompeii, Herculaeum, and Monte Cassino are easily accessible via the autostrada.
Summer residence of the Pope...:
During the summer months Castel Gandolfo comes alive with the arrival of the Pope. Accompanied by the Swiss Guard in full uniform, the Pope is usually in residence for parts of June, July, August and early September. The main piazza in front of the Papal Palace is the focal point of the Pope's weekly audiences (Wednesday and Sunday mornings). Several cafes line the square, where one can sit and watch the activity of the day and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the church of San Tomaso da Villanova designed by Bernini and the Papal Palace designed by Carlo Maderna.
There are several exceptional restaurants and pizzerias in the town centre, as well as many more down below town on the lakefront. Enotecas in town specialize in wines of the region.
Activities...:
Lakefront beaches, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and waterskiing are all available right below town at Lake Albano. Horseback riding and Golf (at Castel Gandolfo Country Club) are both within an easy drive - less than 10 minutes away.
Additional information provided upon request.
Golf:
Castel Gandolfo Country Club is only a 5 minute drive from the apartment, right in the heart of the Castelli Romani. The club is in a remote location on tiny back roads, so a car is recommended. The course lies within the bowl of an extinct volcano in a landscape planted with century-old olive trees, pines, cypresses, mimosa and roses - a truly unique setting. The famous Trent Jones Sr. harmoniously integrated this course into the beautiful surroundings. There are marvelous views of the castle of Castel Gandolfo to be enjoyed while playing this challenging course. The club house is in an 18th century palazzo, with good dining facilities and a cozy bar. Most of the attendants speak some English. There is also a driving range and a pro-shop at the club, as well as a pool. The summer season can sometimes be a bit hot; the spring and fall are perfect for playing a round of golf.
Other Activities:
canoeing, kayaking
