Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant\'Angelo featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and a bridge
Explore the different layers of history, admire the intricate artwork and frescos or just take in the sweeping views of Rome from this riverside fortress.

The Castel Sant’Angelo sits in a commanding position beside the River Tiber close to the Vatican. It is an imposing building that has been through many stages in its life, including a mausoleum, a jail and a papal fortress. The castle now houses the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo.

Approach the Castel Sant’Angelo by crossing the Ponte Sant’Angelo to get a feeling of awe for the ancient structure ahead of you. The bridge was built at the same time as the original building, which was designed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Castel Sant’Angelo was completed in 139 after four years of construction. Unfortunately, Hadrian died the year before completion but it still became his mausoleum upon completion.

Enter the building and focus on the different additions and changes made to suit each purpose of the building over the centuries. Hadrian’s mausoleum, a weapons display and the papal residential quarters make for interesting contrasts.

The themed sections off the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo help to give you an insight into each stage of the building’s lifetime. After Hadrian, the mausoleum had many other emperors interred in it before becoming a jail. Read about the notorious prisoners that were held here and brutal executions that took place. On top of this grim past, it has also served as a fortress for the Vatican, sheltering popes in times of danger. In the 13th century a fortified passageway was built to connect it to Vatican City.

Take your time to appreciate the artworks that you will find in this multi-level museum as well. Afterwards, head up to the roof for a great view of Rome. There are views across to the Vatican and down to the River Tiber as well as of the castle grounds. If the terrace seems familiar, it may be because it featured in the famous opera Tosca by Puccini. After enjoying the views, head to the on-site café for refreshments.

Castel Sant’Angelo is open daily from morning to early evening and admission fees apply. Rome Passes are accepted and can help you skip the line for the ticket office. Being close to Vatican City, the castle is easily reached on foot, by metro, bus and taxi.

Reviews of Castel Sant'Angelo

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
440
" "5 - Excellent 46.462513199577614%
4 - Good
415
" "4 - Good 43.82259767687434%
3 - Okay
87
" "3 - Okay 9.186906019007392%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.3167898627243928%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.21119324181626187%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Dec 2019

Haggle with the hop on hop off ticket sales staff - we got 2 x 48 hour tickets for 50 euro

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Dec 2019

Great find. Easy to follow route through attraction. Lovely restaurant on site with great views of Rome.

4/5 - Good

Tammi
22 Nov 2019

We were given free access which was great. The views are incredible - well worth the visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Allow about 2 hours. Excellent castle. Full of history

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Nov 2019

You can queue to vatican , make sure to go early like 8ish , but you have to pay for fast track for the muesem its worth to pay extra to skip the queue, you must see Colosseum, soanush steps, st angelo castle , pantheon, Altare Della patris,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

An absolute must to visit! Much quieter than any other place we visited but a gem. The views are incredible and there is a lovely cafe on one of the terraces overlooking the river towards the Vatican City - the food was delicious but beware of the gulls who swoop down and pinch your food!

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