Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome

Situated on the right bank of the Tiber, facing the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo has stood guard over Rome for nearly 2,000 years. This imposing fortress has served as a mausoleum, stronghold, refuge, and prison, witnessing the long history of Rome without losing its grandeur.

Ready to set sail? Captain Ulysses takes you on a journey to discover this stone giant!

⚠️ Note: Castel Sant’Angelo can only accommodate a limited number of visitors at a time! To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s essential to book your tickets in advance: Skip-the-line tickets for Castel Sant’Angelo

A Brief History of Castel Sant’Angelo

The Origins of Castel Sant’Angelo

Constructed in the 2^nd century AD by order of Emperor Hadrian as his mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo sits on the right bank of the Tiber.

Inspired by the tomb of Augustus, Hadrian’s mausoleum was completed in 139 AD, a year after the emperor’s death. His successors were also entombed there, with Caracalla—the creator of the Baths of Caracalla—being the last emperor buried there in 217 AD.

Over the centuries, Hadrian’s mausoleum was converted into a fortress due to its strategic location.
In the 5^th century, it was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, a fortified enclosure protecting Rome.

The castle even lent its name to the surrounding district: Borgo.

The Pope, the Plague, and the Archangel

In the 6^th century, Rome was struck by a deadly plague. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared in a vision to Pope Gregory I atop Castel Sant’Angelo^,, sheathing his sword as a sign that the plague would end following the pope’s imposed fasts and penances.

This legendary event gave the castle its name: Castel Sant’Angelo, or Castle of the Holy Angel.

Castel Sant’Angelo and the Papacy

Due to its proximity to Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo became an ideal refuge for popes during times of turmoil.

In the 13^th century, Pope Nicholas III even had a suspended corridor built to connect Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican: the Passetto di Borgo, or simply Pasetto (“little passage” in Italian).

Over the centuries, apartments were constructed within the castle to accommodate the pope. In the 16^th century, Pope Paul III even converted part of the structure into a small palace.

From the 9^th to the 19^th centuries, the castle also served as a prison, hosting several notable “guests,” including some popes and the Italian artist Benvenuto Cellini.

In the latter half of the 19^th century, Castel Sant’Angelo ceased to belong to the Vatican and became the property of the Italian army.

Castel Sant’Angelo Today

Restored in the early 20^th century, Castel Sant’Angelo has been a national museum open to the public since 1925.

Exploring Castel Sant’Angelo

Inside the Castle

Get ready to climb! The areas open to visitors are spread across five floors, accessible via a spiral ramp.

Key points of interest include:

• The inner courtyard, where visitors can explore exhibition rooms displaying medieval weapons.
• Hadrian’s mausoleum on the 1^st floor. The funerary chamber has been looted, and the ashes of the Roman emperors no longer rest there.
• The old prisons where the Vatican’s enemies were held.
• Les salles et appartements papaux avec notamment :
  • The Hall of Apollo, adorned with 16^th-century frescoes.
  • The Hall of Clement VII, decorated with paintings from the 15^th and 16^th centuries.
  • The Loggia of Paul III.
  • The Loggia of Julius II.
  • The apartments of Paul III (Alexander Farnese), where you can discover the Pauline Hall, the Hall of the Adrianeum, and the Hall of Garlands, each decorated with 16^th-century frescoes.

• The panoramic terrace, the highlight of the visit. It offers exceptional views of Rome, with splendid vistas of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. There’s also a café where you can enjoy a refreshing break while taking in the view.

Outside the Castle

Before or after your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, don’t miss the bronze statue of the Archangel Michael, created in 1753 by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, located in front of the castle.

Take the time to stroll along the beautiful Ponte Sant’Angelo, which leads to the castle. Renovated by Bernini in the 16^th century, it is adorned with 10 angel statues sculpted by the famous artist.

Practical Information

Getting to Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is situated on the right bank of the Tiber, facing the Vatican. The nearest metro stations are Ottaviano and Lepanto on Line A, about a 10-minute walk from the castle.

Buses 23, 34, 49, 64, 87, 280, 492, 926, and 990 also stop near the monument, as do hop-on, hop-off tourist buses, which are very convenient for exploring the city in the open air.

Opening Hours

Castel Sant’Angelo is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 7:30 PM (ticket office closes at 6:30 PM).

Admission Fees

Entrance to Castel Sant’Angelo is priced at €17 for adults, €3 for young Europeans aged 18 to 25, and €1 for children under 18. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.

⚠️ Note: During peak season and school holidays, long queues can form at the castle’s entrance. To avoid waiting or having to reschedule your visit, consider opting for a skip-the-line ticket, even if it’s slightly more expensive.

For more information: Skip-the-line tickets for Castel Sant’Angelo.

Entry to Castel Sant’Angelo is also included in the Omnia Card.

Guided Tour of Castel Sant’Angelo

History enthusiasts take note! There are guided tours available in several languages to ensure you don’t miss any details about Castel Sant’Angelo. Learn more about the castle’s history, legends, and the stunning artworks it houses.

For more information: Guided tour of Castel Sant’Angelo.

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