Pope Leo XIV is going on vacation in July: this is the luxurious palace in Rome where he will spend his days off.

Starting on July 6, Pope Leo XIV will enjoy a well-deserved rest in the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo , a small town located 25 kilometers from Rome, with a population of approximately 7,000 inhabitants.

During his two-week stay, the Pope will maintain some religious commitments , such as the weekly celebration of the Angelus and certain Masses, but will suspend both private and general audiences.

The holidays of Pope Leo XIV revive a tradition that had been abandoned by his predecessor , Pope Francis, who always remained faithful to his message of simplicity.

During his papacy, Francis never resided in Castel Gandolfo, preferring instead to remain in the Vatican. He used to say that "a pope doesn't go on vacation." Leo XIV 's decision to spend his days off in the Papal Villas therefore marks a return to a custom dating back four centuries.

The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo became the summer residence of the Popes in the 16th century , specifically in 1596, when the Vatican acquired the land following an unpaid debt from the Savelli family.

The property covers 55 hectares, larger than even the Vatican, which is 44 hectares in area. The palace, built between 1623 and 1629 by order of Pope Urban VIII, is considered the heart of the Villas. Facing the city's main square , its wing offers spectacular views of Lake Albano, while the gardens were designed by the celebrated Baroque artist Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, also responsible for the columns of St. Peter's Square.

Over the centuries, the palace has undergone various renovations. During the pontificate of Pius XI, a model 30-hectare farm was established, dedicated to the production of milk, fruit, olives, and vegetables. Its daily yield of approximately 800 liters of milk directly supplies the Vatican.

Furthermore, Pope John Paul II ordered the construction of a swimming pool, transforming the complex into a place not only for contemplation but also for recreation. Today, the complex also houses an astronomical observatory.

The Pope's bedroom in the Pontifical Villas is characterized by its simplicity: a single bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and a small library connected to a private chapel.

However, the place is not lacking in luxury, as evidenced by the Chapel of Urban VIII, which features frescoes by Renaissance artist Federico Zuccaro. It's worth noting that this same room was the scene of historic events, such as the final days of Pope Pius XII in 1958 and Pope Paul VI in 1978. Furthermore, it was from this balcony that Benedict XVI delivered his final greeting as leader of the Catholic Church.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from O Globo (GDA), and reviewed by the journalist.