L Ackermann

Review of Villa Palazzola

What a wonderful place. We spent only three days/n...

What a wonderful place. We spent only three days/night's at the "venerable college" - but what a great time. Very suitable for a silent (or not so silent) retreat. The view across Lago Albano, with Castel Gandolfo as a landmark and Rome stretched out in the background is simply stunning. Good food, nice people and - if you like that sort of thing - a chanted "Ave" after dinner (only takes a few minutes - don't miss it!): all that made us feel so welcome!
The rooms are clean, simple, functional and bright (a few are even facing the lake and must have a great view - mine didn't).
Just one caveat: if you want to go on a walk, *do* use the little gate at the back of the garden. Walking back up to the tarred road is certainly *not* a good idea (no footpath, much traffic, a lot of litter).
So, is a great place for groups (we were about 30), with access to lounge/bar, reading room, chapel and conference room. It is a bit awkward to get to: the closest train station is about 7km away and a taxi from FCO (one of the airports) can well take an hour, depending on the time of the day. But definitely worth it!