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Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience

New To The Site! Rome, Italy

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1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

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

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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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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

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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