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Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience

New To The Site! Rome, Italy
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from US$17.78 per person

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1 hour (approx.)
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Overview

Explore the historic astronomical observatories of the Vatican Observatory at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
For the first time in nearly ninety years, the observatories' domes are open to the public. Visit the "major dome," with an 8.5-meter diameter and a Visual Telescope for star and planet observation, and the "minor dome," with an 8-meter diameter and a Double Astrograph, used for celestial photography and star mapping.

Access includes a climb via a spiral staircase to the third floor of the Papal Palace, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Albano from the panoramic terrace.

What's Included

  • Access to the third floor of the Papal Palace
  • Spectacular view of the lake of Castel Gandolfo
  • Access to the major and minor astronomical domes
  • Entrance to the Papal Palace
  • Transportation to Castel Gandolfo
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Piazza della Liberta, Castel Gandolfo 00040, Italy

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

Discover the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Admire the panoramic views of Lake Albano from the Papal Palace's terrace. Visit the Vatican Observatory and learn about the history of the Jesuit-run site. See the two astronomical observatories of the Vatican Observatory.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-41353P148


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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Access to the third floor of the Papal Palace.
  • Spectacular view of the lake of Castel Gandolfo.
  • Access to the major and minor astronomical domes.
The following is NOT included:
  • Entrance to the Papal Palace.
  • Transportation to Castel Gandolfo.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 7..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Access to the third floor of the Papal Palace
  • Spectacular view of the lake of Castel Gandolfo
  • Access to the major and minor astronomical domes
  • Entrance to the Papal Palace
  • Transportation to Castel Gandolfo

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
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  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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