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Church of Our Lady of the Lake: the modern church of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano
On the shores of Lake Albano, in Castel Gandolfo, stands the Chiesa Madonna del Lago (Church of Our Lady of the Lake). It is not an old building, but a modern place of worship commissioned by Pope Paul VI. The pontiff wanted it for the growing community along the lakeside, creating a piece of recent papal history looking directly out over the water. A different kind of place.
A church for two seasons
Its designer, architect Francesco Vacchini, began with a very specific challenge. How to create a space for six hundred people in summer without it feeling empty for the fifty winter worshippers. His solution was simple and inspired: divide the space. The church has an inner hall for winter use and an outdoor area, open to the elements, for the large summer crowds.
The sail on the lake and the art within
What makes it instantly recognisable is the white fan-shaped roof structure. For Vacchini, it was a metaphor for the sail of Peter's boat navigating the lake. Inside, a large part of the liturgical furnishings was created by artist Tommaso Gismondi. These include the Stations of the Cross, the statue of the Madonna, and even a Pietà, which was a personal gift from Pope Paul VI himself.
The church is situated in Via Spiaggia del Lago 12. The building is fully accessible, with no architectural barriers, and entry is free. As it is an active parish, it is advisable to check the times of services before visiting, out of respect for the community.
