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Large telescope mounted in a domed wooden observatory, with light streaming in from a small window. Building with a large, dome-shaped roof, two shuttered windows, an open door with a metal staircase, and a plaque on the wall. Large telescope inside a wooden-domed observatory ceiling with visible mechanical components and cables. A large telescope stands in a circular room with informative posters and a yellow light on the wall. An observatory room with a large telescope under a wooden dome ceiling.
Large telescope mounted in a domed wooden observatory, with light streaming in from a small window. Building with a large, dome-shaped roof, two shuttered windows, an open door with a metal staircase, and a plaque on the wall. Large telescope inside a wooden-domed observatory ceiling with visible mechanical components and cables. A large telescope stands in a circular room with informative posters and a yellow light on the wall. An observatory room with a large telescope under a wooden dome ceiling.

Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience

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

Opening hours

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Ga

Friday
09:00:00 - 13:00:00
Saturday
09:00:00 - 17:00:00
Sunday
10:00:00 - 17:00:00
Monday
09:00:00 - 13:00:00
Tuesday
09:00:00 - 13:00:00
Wednesday
09:00:00 - 13:00:00
Thursday
09:00:00 - 13:00:00

Included

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

Not included

  • Transport
  • Guided tour
  • Audio guide

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.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes before the meeting time
  • Show the voucher to the reception staff
Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Gandolfo
Piazza della Libertà, 00073, Castel Gandolfo
  1. Provider: Ticketstation Srl
    4.2 16248 provider reviews
    Registered address: Piazza d'Ara Coeli, 16, 00186, Rome, IT

    Reach out to the Tiqets Help Center, we act as a contact on behalf of the activity supplier

  • Cancel for free until 24 hours before you visit and get a full refund
  • Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit date

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