Where the Popes play

Above is the view of Lake Albano from the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Loved my visit there in 2019 and will definitely return. The little village is adorable and the pace delightful.

Meanwhile: Pope Leo XIV is taking some well-deserved time off to kick back and relax after all the hubbub surrounding his election in May as the first North American Pope.

The newly pegged pontiff recently rode out the July heat in Castel Gandolfo, the traditional holiday residence of popes

The sprawling complex and gardens of Castel Gandolfo built on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, is located about an hour south of Rome. 

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