The area around Lake Albano has been a favourite getaway for Roman rulers since the time of the Emperor Domitian in the first century. In the 17th century, it became the favoured summer retreat of the Vatican leaders.

Eventually the Apostolic Camera seized the property from the Savelli family due to financial issues, and in 1604 Castel Gandolfo was incorporated into the Holy See’s assets. The history of the papal summer residence The ancient villa was transformed into a summer residence by order of Pope Urban VIII, born Maffeo Vincenzo Barberini.

Pope Leo XIV on Monday enjoyed his first day of rest and relaxation at Caste Gandolo, the hill town south of Rome that is the traditional papal summer cool getaway from the Roman heat but which was closed and turned into a museum by his predecessor Francis.