Pope's summer home

I have not been myself, but this is what I have heard: the town of Castelgandalfo is quite beautiful and is of course set on a very nice lake. Unless you are there for a Papal event (for which you may need tickets), it is not possible to have a tour of the Pope's residence, but even so the town is still quite worth it. It is not terribly far from Rome and there are regional trains that can get you there. You might contact the Sisters in the Visitor's Office to find out about what papal events (such as Wednesday audience or Sunday angelus) might be held there while he is there on his summer rest, and whether tickets are needed:
http://www.pnac.org/pilgrim-information/bishops-office-for-us-visitors-to-the-vatican/ Take care

We've been to Castel Gandolfo a few times - always by motorino. But Regionale trains are an option. We've actually been on a day when the Pope was doing an Audience. The town was packed on that day and a festive atmosphere prevailed. Far less formal than an Audience in St. Peter's Square! But be prepared to hike from your parking spot. Also, be careful as a few of the restaurants are very high-priced on "Audience" days - so look before you buy. Directly across the beautiful Lake Albano from the town is a great Porchetta stand. It's just a small place with picnic tables but you'll be the only "non-locals." Sitting at a table, eating delicious sandwiches, you look across the volcanic crater lake at the small town and Papal summer residence. It's a memorable location. We've explored many towns in this area and if you have a car (or 125cc or bigger motorino), these are easily accessible.

thanks everyone for the information but I just checked and for some reason this July he will make no appearances.

Kathy During the month of July there are no Wednesday audiences, but I am pretty sure the Pope still does the Sunday Angelus prayer (12noon Sunday - short discourse followed by a prayer) from his balcony in Castelgandalfo. If you email the Sisters at the link that I provided I am sure they will be able to give you much more exact info on this. Take care

Here is the link for the US Bishop's Visitor's Office page, on which you can find information on how to contact the Sisters who run that office and get details for your July visit.

thanks Bryan you are right he will do a blessing on Sundays!