Pope Francis hands over private summer holiday home to tourists

Pope Francis has given up his summer holiday home, opting instead to have the once-private accommodation open to the public as a museum.  

For centuries the enormous Papal Palace — which spreads over 54 hectares and overlooks Italy's Lake Albano — has been used as a summer residence for popes.

The 17th Century palace is located to the town of Castel Gandolfo, roughly a 30 minute drive south-east of Rome.

Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II spent much of their time in the luxurious grounds, with the latter even installing an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

But Pope Francis, who has publicly eschewed the wealthy trappings of the papacy, is breaking with tradition having not spent a single night in the building.

In 2014, the palace's gardens were open to the public through tours, but the rooms remained private.  

But from October 21, the doors will officially open, and guests will be able to explore the apartments which have been transformed into a museum.

Business owners from the town of Castel Gandolfo will no doubt have mixed feelings about the news, with tourism in the area dropping significantly since the Pope stopped visiting the residence.

Ticket prices start from $14 and can be purchased online.