Castel Sant'Angelo Tour

Why Choose It?

Journey through almost 2,000 years of Castel Sant’Angelo’s history

Enjoy the context and content of an expert art historian

Explore one of Rome’s most iconic monuments.

Why Choose It?

Journey through almost 2,000 years of Castel Sant’Angelo’s history

Enjoy the context and content of an expert art historian

Explore one of Rome’s most iconic monuments.

Tour Description

Castel Sant’Angelo, or the Castle of the Holy Angel, is the true silent witness of Rome’s vast history.

Starting out as a mausoleum built to contain the remains of one of Rome’s most famous emperors, Castel Sant’Angelo was later converted into a fortress, a papal residence, a prison and an execution ground.

Today, Castel Sant’Angelo contains a stunning museum and battlements offering one of the most impressive views over Rome.

Itinerary

Sant’Angelo Bridge

Castel Sant’Angelo

National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo

St Peter’s Square (optional)

Castel Sant'Angelo from the River Tiber

Itinerary

Sant’Angelo Bridge

Castel Sant’Angelo

National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo

St Peter’s Square (optional)

Originally built as Hadrian’s Mausoleum, this monumental tomb was designed by the emperor, himself, and overlooked the Vatican field.

Its cylindrical structure was covered in greenery with a bronze statue of Hadrian on a chariot overlooking the surrounding area. The internal spiral ramp led to the funeral cell containing big cinerary urns.

Perin del Vaga wall frescoes in Castel SantAngelo

Included

Timed entry ticket

Guided Tour

*Gratuities not included

According to legend, at the height of the plague of 590, the Archangel Michael appeared at the top of Castel Sant’Angelo, the tomb of Pope Gregory the Great. And by unsheathing his sword, he signified the end of the plague.

From the 14th century, the popes converted the fortress into a castle of papal residences. The castle was soon connected to Saint Peter’s Basilica with the Passetto di Borgo, a fortified corridor. Raphael’s pupils adorned the castle with grotesque frescos, golden stuccos, and sparkling marble floors.
 
But the castle hides dark secrets; the Papal state used it as a dreadful prison, housing criminals and innocents alike. Castel Sant’Angelo tells a dynamic story of change, war, fortune, and endless intrigue.
 
Ready to explore it together?

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    Terms and Conditions*

     

    Important Information

    All itineraries are subject to change.

    Tickets, once bought, are non-refundable.

    Rome Art Tours is not responsible for circumstances beyond our control that prohibits any tour.

    For example: closure of the Vatican facilities due to unannounced reasons, Acts of God, or prohibition of site entrance due to noncompliance of regulations. Policies and regulations are subject to change.

    Food tours can be customized to accommodate dietary requirements and intolerances.

    Important Information

    Tour itineraries are subject to change.

    Tickets, once bought, are non-refundable.

    Rome Art Tours is not responsible for circumstances beyond our control that prohibits any tour.

    For example: closure of the Vatican facilities due to unannounced reasons, Acts of God, or prohibition of site entrance due to noncompliance of regulations. Policies and regulations are subject to change.

    Food tours can be customized to accommodate dietary requirements and intolerances.

    Perin del Vaga in Castel SantAngelo
    Statue of Marcus Aurelius Capitoline Hill
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