Castel Gandolfo · Italy

Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience

Observe stars through a telescope and see lake views from a terrace

Large telescope mounted in a domed wooden observatory, with light streaming in from a small window.

Sobre la experiencia

For the first time in almost ninety years, the astronomical domes of Castel Gandolfo's Papal Palace are open to visitors. These include two functional observatories of the Vatican: the **major dome** with an 8.5-meter diameter, equipped with a Visual Telescope for observing stars and planets; and the **minor dome**, with an 8-meter diameter, featuring the Double Astrograph used for photographic surveys of the sky and the position of stars. Access the observatories via a spiral staircase to the third-floor terrace, which provides views of Lake Albano.

Qué incluye

* Access to the astronomical domes in the Palace * Access to the Papal Palace third floor

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Gandolfo · Piazza della Libertà