A walk on the papal side

Published Mar 4, 2014

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Vatican City - Pope Francis has decided to open to the public the gardens of his summer residence outside Rome, Vatican Radio reported.

The 17th century Papal Palace of Casten Gandolfo is located in a scenic hamlet on a hilly ground about 25 kilometres south-east of the Italian capital, overlooking the volcanic Lake Albano.

Popes usually retire there to escape from Rome's summer heat, although last year Francis did not take any holidays. In 2013, Castel Gandolfo also served as a temporary home for Benedict XVI after his resignation from the papacy, prior to his relocation into a convent inside the Vatican City.

The palace's grounds include the remains of an Ancient Roman villa built by Emperor Domitian, and a 62-acre farm that supplies the Vatican with dairy, vegetables and honey.

Starting from March, visitors can book online 90-minute guided tours through the gardens in Italian or English, Vatican radio said. - Sapa-dpa

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