Pope Francis has turned his summer residence into a museum.
The pope opened his Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo to the public in October in a bid to help the town’s economy stay afloat, as he has never stayed there himself.
The leader of the Catholic Church dislikes the sprawling mansion, according to Reuters, and considers it too extravagant. He has visited Castel Gandolfo three times, but never stayed overnight.
The palace was built in the 17th century for Pope Urban VIII. Since then, around 15 popes have used it for their summer holidays.
The pope’s bedroom is the main attraction, and it has a surprising history – it was used as a delivery room for refugees during the Second World War. Despite the 266 popes throughout history taking a vow of celibacy, around 40 children have been born in the bedroom.
Take a tour of the papal palace.
This is Castel Gandolfo, a pretty town in the hills above Lake Albano around 20 miles out of Rome.
It is home to the Apostolic Palace — the pope's summer residence — which has been kept private until now.
The palace was designed by Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century. It spans over 55 hectres and is larger than the Vatican City.
As you can expect, inside it is filled with fine art and religious iconography.
Pope Francis has turned the estate into a museum to boost trade in Castel Gandolfo. He did not take a summer holiday this year, and has never stayed in the palace.
The Pope considers the palace to be too extravagant, according to Reuters.
The main attraction is the pope's bedroom, which overlooks Lake Albano.
The seven-by-four metre room is decorated with fine art and antique furniture.
His office is also a highlight. The last person to use it was Pope Benedict XVI until his resignation in 2013.
Seven rooms in the pope's apartment contain fine art, as well as portraits of some of the 266 popes throughout history.
In 1944, the house was opened up to refugees from the second World War. The pope's bedroom was used as a delivery room during that time, as it is the most private.
Around 12,000 people took refuge in the papal palace.
The grounds are also open to the public, and are even more breathtaking.
The grounds contain mazes, sculptures and a small pond, where Pope Benedict XVI reportedly fed the fishes.
But the best part of the whole palace is easily the stunning view over Lake Albano.
