Inside the Pope's Lakeside Retreat at Castel Gandolfo

Perched high above the tranquil waters of Lake Albano, the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo is once again stirring with life — marking a symbolic return to tradition after more than a decade of quiet.

Pope Francis broke from long-standing Vatican tradition by choosing not to spend his summer vacations in Castel Gandolfo, a hilltop town overlooking a lake about an hour south of Rome.

Now, after 12 summers without a pontiff in residence, the town is abuzz with renewed excitement as Pope Leo XIV has opted to revive Castel Gandolfo as the official papal holiday destination.

A shopkeeper named Anna couldn’t be happier. "To say we are happy would be an understatement," she said. "Not only because his presence generates some activity but because this is a papal town – it is the air that we breathe."

The Vatican's connection with Castel Gandolfo dates back to 1596, when it purchased a castle in the center of town from a noble Roman family. Thirty years later, the property was transformed into a papal summer retreat following renovations commissioned by Pope Urban VIII — the first pontiff to spend holidays there as a way to escape the oppressive heat of Rome.

The tradition continued almost uninterrupted until the papacy of Francis, who was known for his simplicity and tendency to avoid the traditional trappings of office. He visited Castel Gandolfo only three times early in his pontificate — twice to preside over Mass and once to meet with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

In 2016, Pope Francis opened the residence to the public as a museum. However, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to restore its original purpose by residing there once again.

The sprawling estate spans 55 hectares and features lush, meticulously manicured gardens, along with exquisite gold-adorned furniture. It also offers sweeping views of Lake Albano, a popular spot for paddleboarding and boating.