Sep 21 2018
Vatican train to Barberini Garden at Castel Gandolfo
Train from Vatican City to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo every Saturday.
Each Saturday a train connects the tiny railway station at Vatican City with the Pontifical Villas and Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the historic papal retreat in the hills about 25 km south-east of Rome.
With spectacular views over Lake Albano, the 30-hectare Barberini gardens at Castel Gandolfo feature ancient Roman ruins dating back to Emperor Domitian as well as a square of holly oaks, paths of roses and aromatic herbs, and a magnolia garden.
Castel Gandolfo has acted as a papal retreat since the 17th century but in 2014 was opened to the public by Pope Francis for the first time.