Italian philosophy of life in contrasts (p. 9): Castel Gandolfo
What is the meaning of the phrase: “Rome consists of puzzles”?
Rome does not occupy a vast area, but despite its small territory, the city is made up of completely different, unique, and dissimilar parts. Each district and adjacent areas have their distinctive features, landmarks, history, atmosphere, and characteristics.
“From the road, the castle resembled a huge stone monster ready to make a suicidal leap into the abyss. Perched on the edge of the cliff, it seemed to loom over the cradle of Italian civilization – over the valley where long before the foundation of Rome, the warring clans of the Curii and Horatii ruled. Even from a distance, Gandolfo made a majestic impression. A classic example of ancient fortress architecture, it fit perfectly into the formidable mountain landscape…”
The city of Castel Gandolfo is located above Lake Albano on the Alban Hills, 24 kilometers southeast of Rome. According to one version, the name comes from the Gandolfo family castle, built around 1200. According to another version, Gandolfo is the name of one of the Savelli family members. They owned the castle for three centuries and could not settle their debt. By the decree of Pope Clement VII, the Vatican acquired the castle in 1596 to settle the debt.
The main attraction is the summer residence of the Pope (Residenza Papale), designed by architect Carlo Maderna. For some time, from 1870, no one lived in the palace because the Popes did not leave the Vatican territory. Several decades after the signing of the Lateran Agreements with Italy in 1929, Popes began using the residence again. The residence was first opened to the public after the unification of Italy in 1870. However, it was closed again from 1929 and only became accessible to everyone from 2016, according to the decree of Pope Francesco.
The city is steeped in numerous legends and beliefs. It is said that the founders of Rome, the brothers Romulus and Remus, were born here, and hence the origin of the Latin land.
The real wealth of Castel Gandolfo is its extraordinary landscapes that inspire and amaze with their expanses and the purity of nature. The volcanic-origin waters of Lake Albano change shades from light turquoise to dark blue, resembling the color of the sky on a starry night.
Castel Gandolfo is a fairy-tale, castle-like, mysterious city that attracts with its energy and medieval atmosphere. The spirit of knights hovers in the air of winding streets, making the place seem magical. This city is yet another indispensable unique puzzle of Italian culture.
Let’s go “from tourism to lifestyle.”
