The Villa lies high in the Alban Hills above Lake Albano. It enjoys stunning views over the Lake to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. In the distance, some 35 kilometres away you can see the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at Anzio. Looking down and to the right you can see St. Peter’s Basilica.


Palazzola is just 18 miles from central Rome and is situated within its own 16 acre chestnut and pine wooded estate.
It traces its foundation to the Roman Empire, being built by the Roman Consul Scipio Africanus – the man who defeated Hannibal.
Over the centuries, visitors have come from far and wide to see his tomb cut into the volcanic rocks above the villa For centuries it has existed as a Christian Monastery. In 1926 it was purchased for the English College by Cardinal Heaton. In recent years it has been completely modernised and opened to our groups.

‘This is exceptionally attractive accommodation.’

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The Villa has been an inspiration for poets, philosophers and artists for centuries and you could hardly find a better environment for pilgrimage, art, music or Pilgrimage Tours tour.


The Library

There are comfortable sofas and an open fireplace that is used during the winter months.


Bar and Buttery

There is a small, but well stocked bar as well as a buttery, where tea and coffee are always available.


Lounge

Here there are comfortable leather bound sofas gathered around a television with sky and DVD.


The Cloisters



Bedroom Accommodation


The Villa Palazzola actually exists in two parts:
The ‘Old Palazzola’ has Roman Walls. Since it is illegal to drill into such walls, shower and toilet facilities exist on each corridor. The bedrooms themselves are for one or two guests and offer washbasins, towels and soap.

The ‘New Palazzola’ is actually over 200 years old and was built as a residence for the Portuguese Ambassador to Rome. You can still see the balcony from which he addressed his fellow countrymen. In recent years it has been completely modernised to offer en-suite facilities.

Games Room
The Palazzola also has a games room which his doubles as a meeting room and there are table tennis and table football games.

Did you know? The Roman Sacred Way ran through the estate. Legionaries approaching Rome first made their way to the hill behind the Palazzola to make sacrifice on what was know as ‘Mount Jupiter.’


The Terrace


The terrace is a natural suntrap and enjoys lovely views over the lake to Castel Gandolfo and beyond to Anzio on the Mediterranean Coast and down into Rome and St Peter’s Basilica. During the summer lunch is served on hereand it is a favourite site for wedding Receptions.


The Gardens

Guests gather here to enjoy the beautiful gardens and the spectacular views over Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo, Rome and Anzio on the Mediterranean coast.
Extensive formal gardens in the Renaissance style have been created along the plateau that was carved out of the rock by Roman slaves and on which the villa was built.

The Fountain
At the far end of the gardens lies one of the Palazzola’s most prized features, a fountain that was carved by the great sculpture Bernini.


The Volleyball Court


The Upper Pastures
From the terrace a narrow staircase, carved out of the rock, leads to the Upper Pastures, where there is a tennis court and wide open spaces for team games.


The Swimming Pool


Adjacent to the fountain we have a large swimming pool that boasts crystal clear water that comes up from natural springs, the same springs that once supplied Rome.


Catering

We offer half board accommodation so that groups can enjoy lunch out. In the Palazzola, breakfasts are continental. A good three course supper includes a soup or pasta first course, an Italian style main course, with fruit or patisserie for dessert. There is a choice of fruit juice, water or excellent local wine .