Pope's paradise: the historic villas where the pontiff will retire to during the conclave

Castel Gandolfo, in the hills southeast of Rome, overlooks the beautiful Lake Albano

Cows also live on the expansive grounds, about 15 miles from Rome

The 85-year-old will enjoy cooler temperatures and tranquil afternoons with strolls through the surrounding gardens, lush orchards and vast meadows

The Pope made history last week when he shockingly announced that he was to stand down due to 'advanced age', becoming the first to do so for six centuries. He will make his way to Castel Gandolfohe after abdicating at precisely 8pm on 28 February

The area's natural beauty has been enhanced over the years, so that the papal residency's sweeping grounds feature box hedge impeccably trimmed into globes and pyramids, and an abundance of plant life, such as the exotic splendid monkey puzzle trees and colourful camellias, gardenias, azaleas and Chinese hibiscus

Sprinkling fountains, such as the gushing Fountain of the Eagle, elaborate sculptures and a replica of the grotto of Lourdes adorn the sprawling terrain

Pope Benedict XVI will leave the havok inside the city's walls far behind, later this month, when he moves into the tranquil grounds