Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory Experience
About this experience
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.
Know before you go
- Smartphone ticket
- Yes
- Wheelchair accessible
- No
- Meeting point
- Piazza della Libertà
What’s included
- Access to the astronomical domes in the Palace
- Access to the Papal Palace third floor
What’s not included
- Transport
- Guided tour
- Audio guide
HMBotel notes for choosing your ticket
Compare the inclusions above with your plans: admission, a guided visit and a combination ticket may cover different services. The venue name alone is not enough to compare them.
Check the meeting point and arrival instructions before adding another activity. The displayed duration describes the activity; plan travel from your hotel and your return separately.
Booking and payment take place with Tiqets. On that final page, confirm the date, participants, visit language, final price and cancellation rules; an indicative HMBotel price is not a guarantee of availability.
Presentation supplied by Tiqets. Conditions and availability may change.