Pope Francis Opens Castel Gandolfo Barberini Gardens To The Public

Pope Francis Invites Everybody To His Papal Gardens
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: The gardens of the Pontifical residence of Castelgandolfo are seen on February 20, 2013 in Rome, Italy. The Apostolic Palace and The Ponifical Villas of Castelgandolfo, 10 miles south Rome, are the summer residence of Popes and will host Pope Benedict XVI during the next conclave. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: The gardens of the Pontifical residence of Castelgandolfo are seen on February 20, 2013 in Rome, Italy. The Apostolic Palace and The Ponifical Villas of Castelgandolfo, 10 miles south Rome, are the summer residence of Popes and will host Pope Benedict XVI during the next conclave. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

In his characteristic inclusive fashion, Pope Francis has thrown open the doors to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo to the public so that more people can enjoy the splendor of the Barberini Gardens. As of March 1, visitors may access the gardens from Monday to Saturday, says the Vatican Insider.

Castel Gandolfo has traditionally served as the papal summer residence. Located south of Rome, in the Alban hills, the complex includes the Barberini gardens, the papal palace, a 62-acre farm, and the remains of a Roman villa.

Vatican Radio reported that the director of the Vatican Museums said that Pope Francis personally decided to make the gardens of the Pontifical Villas accessible.

See photos of the gardens here:

Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo Gardens

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