Via Salaria 195, Romarometouroperator@gmail.com

Castel Sant'Angelo

From imperial mausoleum to papal fortress. This iconic cylindrical castle has dominated Rome's skyline for nearly 2,000 years, offering breathtaking views and layers of history.

139 AD
Originally Built
5
Floors to Explore
€18
Adult Ticket
360°
Rome Views

A Building with Many Lives

Castel Sant'Angelo began as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his successors, completed in 139 AD. Over the centuries, it transformed into a military fortress, a prison, a papal residence, and now a museum. Its massive cylindrical structure, crowned with a bronze angel, is one of Rome's most recognizable landmarks.

The castle is connected to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo, a fortified corridor that allowed popes to escape to safety during attacks. Pope Clement VII famously used this passage during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

What to See Inside

Explore five floors of history, from ancient burial chambers to lavish papal apartments

Hadrian's Mausoleum
Ancient Rome

Hadrian's Mausoleum

Descend into the original Roman structure. The spiral ramp used to carry funeral processions is remarkably preserved. The burial chamber once held the ashes of emperors.

Papal Apartments
Renaissance

Papal Apartments

Lavishly decorated rooms where popes lived and took refuge. Admire Renaissance frescoes, the Sala Paolina, and the loggia with stunning views designed by Pope Paul III.

Terrace View
Must-See

The Terrace

Climb to the top for 360° panoramic views of Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica up close, the Tiber below, and the entire city spread before you. The bronze angel statue crowns the scene.

Ponte Sant'Angelo
Bernini Masterpiece

Ponte Sant'Angelo

The pedestrian bridge leading to the castle is adorned with 10 angel statues designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1669. Each angel holds an instrument of Christ's Passion - the cross, the crown of thorns, the nails, the lance.

Walking across this bridge at sunset, with the castle glowing in golden light and the angels silhouetted against the sky, is one of Rome's most magical experiences. The bridge was originally built by Hadrian to connect his mausoleum to the city center.

10
Angel Statues
134 AD
Bridge Built

2000 Years of History

From emperor's tomb to museum - the many transformations of this iconic fortress

I

139 AD - Mausoleum

Completed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and successive emperors until Caracalla in 217 AD.

II

5th c. - Fortress

Converted into a military fortress, incorporated into the Aurelian Walls to protect Rome from barbarian invasions.

III

590 AD - The Angel

Pope Gregory I saw Archangel Michael sheathing his sword, ending a plague. The castle was renamed and an angel statue added.

IV

1933 - Museum

Opened as the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, preserving its rich history for visitors to explore.

Practical Information

Location
Lungotevere Castello 50, 00193 Roma
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM (closed Mondays)
Tickets
€18 adults, €2 EU citizens 18-25, Free under 18
Getting There
Bus 40, 64, 280 or 15-min walk from Vatican
Visit Duration
Plan 1.5 - 2 hours for a complete visit

Castle & Vatican Tours

Combine Castel Sant'Angelo with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums for the complete papal Rome experience.

Castle Express Tour
1.5 hours, skip the line
From $45
Vatican + Castle Combo
Full day experience
From $129
Sunset on the Terrace
Evening tour + aperitivo
From $79
Book Your Tour Now

Or call us: +393519898686

Nearby Attractions

Castel Sant'Angelo is steps away from Rome's greatest treasures

Vatican

Vatican City

15 min walk

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

10 min walk

Pantheon

Pantheon

15 min walk

Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

20 min walk

Walk Through 2000 Years of History

From Hadrian's grand mausoleum to the papal refuge, Castel Sant'Angelo tells the story of Rome itself. Let our expert guides bring this history to life.

Book Your Tour NowView All Tours