Pope Francis has taken another step to reach out beyond the walls of the Vatican by opening the Pope’s summer residence to the public for the first time in history.
The gardens around Castel Gandolfo, a ridge-top castle 20 miles from Rome, will now be available for the public to tour, walk and meditate in the gardens. The gardens are terraced with views of the sea.
The grounds also include a small farm including a herd of cows that supply milk and butter to the Vatican. The farm also produces eggs, olives and honey which will be sold to the public at the grounds and at a supermarket in Vatican City.
The gardens will be open mornings Monday through Saturday and cost 26 euros for admission.
The escape from Rome to the summer home was initiated by Pope Clement VII in the 16th century. Pope Francis says that he plans to spend the summer in Rome because he has too much work to do.