Inside the Pope’s Private Garden via the Papal Train

Pope Francis is  well known for his humility and love for the people. That I think is the reason why he decided to open the Barberini garden’s to the public.

How to Visit the Garden and the Pontifical Villas

I booked   the  “Vatican By Train:Vatican Full Day”  online at the Vatican Museum Tickets website for 40euro. The tour includes a visit to the Vatican Museum and guided tour of the Vatican gardens. Afterwards, take the train at

the Stazione Vaticana going to Castel Gandolfo/Albano Laziale where the Barberini garden is located. The group tour is only available on Saturdays at 8am. Present your booking confirmation at the Vatican Museum entrance security staff to skip the very long line. Go  to the Guided Tour Desk and get your Museum passes, maps,itinerary and audio guide.

 

You have until before 10 AM to tour the Vatican Museum on your own. Don’t do the same mistake I did. I was flabbergasted with the countless work of arts on display that I almost missed the guided tour of the Vatican gardens.

It was around 12:30 pm when we reached  Albano Laziale train station. The shuttle buses to the Barberini Garden were already waiting for us.

Inside the Papal garden

Once inside, all tour participants must ride on a small land train or trenino in Italian.. You will remain aboard the train all throughout the tour. This is necessary because of the   massive size of the garden.  Here are some photos I took aboard the train.

After an hour touring the Pontifical villas and garden we were given free time to roam around the town of Albano Laziale. At 4:45 pm we boarded the shuttle buses anew to take us to the train station in time for our departure to Roma San Pietro at 5:15 pm. Don’t missed the scheduled time or else you will go back to Rome on your own. 



Check Out my " Vatican Full Day Tour by Train"

1. Walking Around Vatican Gardens on a Rainy Day
2. Two Hours In Vatican Museum