Castel Gandolfo

The Vatican Observatory and the Vatican Museums have developed a visitors’ center within the Papal Summer Villa Gardens in Castel Gandolfo, and the Museums also now offer visits to the telescopes atop the Papal Palace as an option for those touring the Palace and Secret Gardens.

The Observatory Visitor Center includes two historic telescopes, a display of antique and contemporary astronomical equipment, an exhibit of astronomically themed artwork, and other special exhibits. A virtual tour of the center can be found here, and the Museum web page to book these tours online is here.

Additionally, tours Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, which was the home of the Vatican Observatory from 1935 until 2009, are offered through the Vatican Museums. Special guided visits to the observatory facilities themselves are available as an option for these tours.

To book these tours, go to the Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex of the Vatican Museums ticket page (MuseiVA).