Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Castle · Roma, Lazio
Castel Sant'Angelo
The mausoleum of Emperor Adrian, turned into a fortress and refuge for the popes, on the banks of the Tiber. From the terrace you can see St. Peter's and the center of Rome.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo began as the mausoleum of Emperor Adrian, built in the 2nd century AD on the bank of the Tiber. Over time the tomb became part of Rome's walls and later a fortress, prison and residence of the popes in times of danger.
The name comes from the vision that, according to tradition, Pope Gregory the Great had in 590: an angel sheathing his sword atop the building, announcing the end of a plague. The bronze statue of the Archangel Michael on the summit commemorates this story.
The Passetto di Borgo, an elevated corridor above the wall, links the castle to the Vatican. It was by this route that Pope Clement VII escaped during the Sack of Rome in 1527. Inside, the visit climbs the Roman mausoleum's spiral ramp up to the papal apartments decorated with frescoes and the Angel's terrace.
In front, the Ponte Sant'Angelo, built by Adrian, features angel statues made by Bernini's pupils from his designs. The castle is the setting for the final act of Puccini's opera Tosca.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
An hour and a half to two hours.
Best time
In the late afternoon to see the sunset from the terrace over St. Peter's dome and the Tiber. The castle is usually closed on Mondays.
How to get there
On foot, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Pietro and Piazza Navona. Metro line A, Lepanto or Ottaviano station, and a 15-minute walk.
Tip
The Passetto di Borgo is only open during certain times of the year: check whether it's open. Cross the Ponte Sant'Angelo on foot to see the angels up close.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castel Sant'Angelo
Is Castel Sant'Angelo open every day?
It usually closes on Mondays, as well as December 25 and January 1. Check opening times before you go.
Can you walk along the Passetto di Borgo?
Only in some periods of the year, on specific visits. Otherwise, the corridor can be seen from outside, along the wall up to the Vaticano.
What can you see from the terrace of Castel Sant'Angelo?
The dome of São Pedro, the Tiber with its bridges, and the rooftops of the historic center, with the bronze angel statue just above.