After the worst of the pandemic, Italy and the Vatican are attempting to return to normal. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums have opened, but Castel Gandolfo was missing. It opened its doors a few days later, on June 6.
The doors are open, and doctors and health personnel who worked in Italian hospitals during the pandemic are being let in for free thanks to the pope.
The Pontifical Villas, used by many popes in the summer months, have also adapted the new security regulations. Audio guides passed from one tourist to another have been prohibited and tour groups will be small, with a maximum of 10 people.
Pope Francis arranged for the castle to be opened to the public at the end of 2015. Inside, one can see the room where popes such as Pius XII and Paul VI died, or the private chapel where Benedict XVI and Pope Francis were seen for the first time praying together.
For now most visitors live in Italy. Foreigners are expected to return as air traffic returns to normal after the pandemic.
Javier Romero
Translation: Melissa Butz
