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Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience

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

★ 4.0 · 1 ratingsFlexible visit
From€15.00Price updates with your selection.
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.
5 photos

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DurationFlexible visit
LocationCastel Gandolfo

Venue hours

Opening times

Venue hours and ticket availability are checked separately.

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Ga

Mon, Aug 3
–
Tue, Aug 4
–
Wed, Aug 5
–
Thu, Aug 6
–
Fri, Aug 7
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Sat, Aug 8
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Local time · Europe/Rome

The experience

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

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.

What’s included

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

Not included

  • Transport
  • Guided tour
  • Audio guide

Where to go

Papal Palace & Gardens of Castel Gandolfo

Piazza della Libertà

View meeting point mapLocal timezone: Europe/Rome

Before you book

Important visitor information

Must know

Castel Gandolfo is located 24 km from Rome

Before purchase

This activity is not permitted for children under 7 years old for safety reasons

How to use

Please arrive 20 minutes before the meeting time

Show the voucher to the reception staff

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