Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo, named after the family that fortified the town in the thirteenth century, lies above Lake Albano, sixteen miles southeast of Rome. It has served as the summer residence of the popes since 1604. The papal palace and dome of San Tommaso da Villanova, a church designed by Bernini and built in 1661, dominate this view. It was painted during Corot’s first of three visits to Italy.