Castel Gandolfo | ||
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Comune | ||
Città di Castel Gandolfo | ||
The town of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano
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Location of Castel Gandolfo in Italy | ||
Coordinates: 41°44′48.29″N 12°39′2.11″E / 41.7467472°N 12.6505861°ECoordinates: 41°44′48.29″N 12°39′2.11″E / 41.7467472°N 12.6505861°E | ||
Country | Italy | |
Region | Lazio | |
Province / Metropolitan city | Rome | |
Frazioni | Mole di Castel Gandolfo, Pavona | |
Government | ||
• Mayor | Milvia Monachesi | |
Elevation | 426 m (1,398 ft) | |
Population (2008) | ||
• Total | 8,834 | |
Demonym(s) | Castellani | |
Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
• Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
Postal code | 00040 | |
Dialing code | 06 | |
Patron saint | St. Sebastian (San Sebastiano) | |
Saint day | January 20 | |
Website | Official website |
Castel Gandolfo (Italian pronunciation: [kaˈstɛl ɡanˈdɔlfo; -ˈdolfo]; Latin: Castrum Gandulphi; colloquially Castello in the Castelli Romani dialects) is a town located 25 kilometres (16 mi) southeast of Rome in the Lazio region of Italy. Occupying a height on the Alban Hills overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo has a population of approximately 8,834 residents and is considered one of Italy's most scenic towns.
Within the town's boundaries lies the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo which served as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. Although the palace is located within the borders of Castel Gandolfo, it had extraterritorial status as one of the properties of the Holy See and was not under Italian jurisdiction. However, it was acknowledged on October 21, 2016 that the palace was no longer owned by the Vatican and that it was now open to the public as part of a museum.
The resort community includes almost the whole coastline of Lake Albano which is surrounded by many summer residences, villas, and cottages built during the 17th century. It houses the Stadio Olimpico that staged the rowing events during the Rome 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.