On the Tracks of History: The Papal Villas Train Returns from Rome to Castel Gandolfo

There’s a unique way to leave Rome, away from traffic and noise, following tracks that cross centuries of history and breathtaking landscapes. The Papal Villas Train resumes its Saturday journeys, offering a one-of-a-kind experience of art, nature, and spirituality, from the heart of the Vatican to the hills of the Castelli Romani.

Each week, a modern electric train departs from the enchanting Vatican station – usually closed to the public – heading to Castel Gandolfo, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Albano. This is more than a trip; it’s a cultural itinerary that encourages slowing down and seeing the surroundings with fresh eyes.

A journey through centuries of the PapacyThe route is a story in motion. Before boarding, visitors can explore the wonders of the Vatican Museums, wandering through courtyards and galleries that house some of the world’s most famous artworks. From there, the train quickly leaves the city, opening up to greenery and ever-widening vistas.

Upon arrival in Castel Gandolfo, a shuttle takes passengers into the Papal Villas, the summer residence of the Popes for over four hundred years. Time seems to stand still here: tree-lined avenues, meticulously kept gardens, fountains, and panoramic terraces follow one another in perfect harmony between architecture and landscape.

The Pope’s gardens: a treasure open to allAt the heart of the experience are the Papal Gardens, a vast green complex set atop ancient Roman ruins, offering breathtaking views of Lake Albano. With rose gardens, geometric hedges, and traditionally cultivated areas, the visit reveals a more intimate side of the Vatican, deeply connected to nature.

Opening these spaces to the public is a symbolic gesture: places once reserved for centuries are now shared heritage, to be enjoyed with curiosity and respect.

An experience for tourists and Romans alikeThe Papal Villas Train is not just for international visitors but also for Romans seeking a different kind of day, without straying far from the city. The initiative combines convenience, sustainability, and cultural value, promoting slow tourism that blends beauty, history, and landscape.

Service runs on Saturdays, with morning departures and afternoon returns, allowing a full day to explore one of Lazio’s most fascinating sites.

When the journey becomes the destinationBoarding this train means rediscovering travel as an experience, not just a means of arrival. It’s an invitation to observe, listen, and be surprised, following a route that connects Rome to its most scenic surroundings, passing through gardens where Popes have found rest and quiet for centuries.

A rare opportunity to see the Vatican… from the train window.