Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo (UK: /ˌkæstɛl ɡænˈdɒlfoʊ/, US: /kɑːˌstɛl ɡɑːnˈdoʊlfoʊ, -ˈdɔːl-/, Italian: [kaˈstɛl ɡanˈdɔlfo]; Latin: Castrum Gandulphi), colloquially known as Castello in the Castelli Romani dialects, is a town located 25 km (16 mi) southeast of Rome, in the Italian region of Lazio. Situated on a hilltop in the Alban Hills with panoramic views of Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is home to approximately 8,900 residents and is renowned as one of Italy's most scenic towns. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").
Castel Gandolfo | |
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| Città di Castel Gandolfo | |
The town of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano | |
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Coat of arms | |
Location of Castel Gandolfo | |
Castel Gandolfo Location of Castel Gandolfo in Italy Castel Gandolfo Castel Gandolfo (Lazio) | |
| Coordinates: 41°44′49″N 12°39′07″E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Metropolitan city | Rome |
| Frazioni | Mole di Castel Gandolfo, Pavona |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Milvia Monachesi |
| Area | |
| • Total | 14.19 km2 (5.48 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 426 m (1,398 ft) |
| Population (31 May 2017) | |
| • Total | 8,940 |
| Demonym | Castellani |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 00040 |
| Dialing code | 06 |
| Patron saint | St. Sebastian (San Sebastiano) |
| Saint day | January 20 |
| Website | Official website |
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 holds extraterritorial status as one of the properties of the Holy See and is not under Italian jurisdiction. It has been transformed into a museum and is now open to the public.
The resort community encompasses almost the entire coastline of Lake Albano, which is surrounded by numerous summer residences, villas, and cottages that were constructed during the 17th century. It is also home to the Stadio Olimpico, which hosted 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.