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Latest Castel Gandolfo hotel reviews
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The church of San Tommaso di Villanova is right there in Piazza Liberta, just a short way from the Papal Palace and it is credited to Bernini. Well worth a visit inside. The church was built in 1659 and is one of the masterpieces of Gian-lorenzo Bernini, who just happens to be my one of my favorites. With a Greek-cross baseand important stuccos realized by Antonio Raggi - they frame the works of Pietro da Cortona, Giacinto Gemignani, Guglielmo Cortese. The Crypt below has other interesting frescos dating back to XV century.
Photo 1 - Exterior
Photo 2 - Interior altar
Photo 3 - Marble floor
Updated Aug 24, 2009
Address: Piazza Liberta
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Via Saponara is a path down the right side from the terrace facing the lake - here you will see views that your camera will devour with much delight.
(Trekky - this is especially for you, my friend!)
Written Aug 24, 2009
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Your virtual tour with me begins here, on the path up to the Papal Palace. Once you have made the short trip from Rome to Castel Gandolfo by car or by bus, you will alight at the bottom of a short hill where there is parking and the Cotral bus stop - from there, the path leads up to the Pope's residence. Enjoy the ascent and stop by the Tourist Information kiosk along the way - you will find interesting information about the Castelli Romani (12 towns along Lake Albano) - the lake itself - medieval villages (especially the most charming Rocca di Papa).
Updated Aug 24, 2009
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Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 - his first public appearance since having the cast removed from his broken right wrist. The pontiff jokingly said that his hand was "freed" but still a bit lazy. He clearly favored his left hand while blessing the people gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence, but he was able to bless the crowd with his right hand. The wrist remained covered with a white bandage.
Following is the August & September schedule for the Pope's appearance and Papal Blessing in the Piazza at Castel Gandolfo
August 23
Angelus and Papal Blessing 12:00 PM - at Castel Gandolfo
August 26
Papal Audience
August 30
Angelus and Papal Blessing 12:00 PM at Castel Gandolfo
(NAC New Men were presented to the Pope in 2008)
September 2009 (Important Info for Summer 2009)
September 2
Papal Audience
September 6
Angelus and Blessing 12:00 PM - at Castel Gandolfo
September 9
Papal Audience
September 13
Angelus and Papal Blessing 12:00 PM - at Castel Gandolfo
September 16
Papal Audience
September 20
Angelus and Papal Blessing 12:00 PM at Castel Gandolfo
Photo 2 - Papal Residence entrance with Swiss Guard
Photo 3 - Piazza Liberta facing Papal Residence
Photo 4 - Papal Entrance close-up
Updated Aug 24, 2009
Address: Piazza Liberta - Castel Gandolfo upper city
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Looking away from the Papal Palace, at the other end of Piazza Liberta, you will see this lovely cobblestone pathway with many outdoor cafes and lots of conversation flowing.
Photo 2 - Far end of Piazza Liberta
Written Aug 24, 2009
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We asked a kind gentleman to take a photo of us on the terrace - and here is the view of Lago Albano from the upper city Castel Gandolfo - just below the Piazza Liberta.
Photo 2 - Best view
Written Aug 24, 2009
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As you exit the Church of San Tomas in Piazza Liberta, make an immediate left to the top of the little cobblestone pathway and you will be greeted by this spectacular vista - it will draw you down and into it - to the terrace where you will see the vast expanse of Lago Albano. Have your camera handy!
Written Aug 24, 2009
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In the summer we always went to the lake of Albano.........swimming or just taking the sun on the beach.
In the weekends it can be crowdy and you have to come early to find a parkingplace, during the week it's very quiet.
Not only swimming can be down, you can also rent a canoe or a little sailingboat.
Lessons are also available.
Written Nov 12, 2005
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Lake Albano is the reason why this region is called "Colli Albani", and the views over it from several villages are very nice, specially from Castelgandolfo.
Look @ it through the houses, walk in the path above and parallel to it, try and go down if you have strength!
Wonderful mountain and peaceful atmosphere, for a great day-out of town! And Rome and its movement ask for some relax!
Written Nov 2, 2004
.... The Guard serves not only as a Guard of Honour but also keep order every time the Pope is in public, that is for liturgical celebrations in St. Peter's Basilica, at the General Audiences.
"I swear I will faithfully, loyally and honourably serve the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II and his legitimate successors, and also dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary also my life to defend them. I assume this same commitment with regard to the Sacred College of Cardinals whenever the See is vacant.
Furthermore I promise to the Commanding Captain and my other superiors, respect, fidelity and obedience. This I swear! May God and our Holy Patrons assist me!"
Written Sep 15, 2004
Address: The Papal Summer Palace
Website: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_guard/index.htm
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Reviews and photos of Castel Gandolfo attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Castel Gandolfo sightseeing.
.... The Guard serves not only as a Guard of Honour but also keep order every time the Pope is in public, that is for liturgical celebrations in St. Peter's...
Q: myself and my wife are wanting to go to papal audience at castel gondolfo in august but are very concerned about location when...
A: So, do I understand that you will have already arranged for the tickets to enter the audience? Hmmmn, I assume it requires tickets because the courtyard is rather small -...
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