Castel Sant'Angelo
The historic monument in Rome was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family around 135 AD. Later, it served as a papal fortress, residence, and prison. The name "Castel Sant'Angelo" refers to the appearance of the Archangel Michael, who, in 590 AD, ended the plague.
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Castel Sant'Angelo: Rome’s iconic attraction
It's impossible to visit Rome without admiring Castel Sant'Angelo, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating monuments. Built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, the structure was initially intended as a commemorative site, destined to house the remains of the emperor and his family. Over time, Castel Sant'Angelo transformed into a fortress, prison, and finally, a museum. At its top once stood a statue of Hadrian riding a triumphal chariot, symbolizing his greatness and role as Rome's defender.
With the decline of the Roman Empire, the mausoleum lost its original purpose and underwent the first of many transformations. During the medieval period, the building was adapted into a fortress, acquiring the name Castel Sant'Angelo after a legendary event. It is said that in 590 AD, during a terrible plague that afflicted Rome, Pope Gregory the Great had a vision of the Archangel Michael, who appeared atop the castle, sheathing his sword as a sign that the epidemic had ended. From that moment, the structure became associated with Archangel Michael and became a symbolic site for the city's protection.
In the 14th century, the castle took on a strategically essential role for the Catholic Church, transforming into a fortified citadel. Pope Nicholas III ordered the construction of a secret passage—the Passetto di Borgo—that connected Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican, allowing the pope and his officials to seek refuge in the castle in times of danger. This passage was used on various occasions, such as during the siege by the troops of the Holy Roman Empire in 1527, when Pope Clement VII found shelter there. The castle’s defensive function was further enhanced with new bastions, walls, and towers, transforming it into an impregnable stronghold.
During the Renaissance, several popes added rooms and decorations to the castle to make it more comfortable, even using it as a temporary residence. Under Pope Alexander VI Borgia, Castel Sant'Angelo also became a prison, where some of the most notable dissidents and criminals of the time were imprisoned, including the famous sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini. The cells, often cramped and devoid of light, remain part of the museum route today, offering a glimpse into the harsh prison conditions of the past.
With the end of papal temporal power and Rome's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, Castel Sant'Angelo lost its military function and began a new chapter in its history. It was transformed into a museum and became one of the city's historical symbols, open to the public to allow all to discover its rich past.
Castel Sant'Angelo is not just a tourist attraction but a journey through the centuries and eras of the Eternal City: from the grandeur of the Roman Empire to the power of the popes, from barbarian invasions to Renaissance and Baroque Rome, and up to the modern era. Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo means immersing oneself in a thousand-year history, where every stone, room, and corridor tells a different chapter of Rome's history and its key figures.
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Useful information for visiting Castel Sant'Angelo
Opening hours: Castel Sant'Angelo is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. Last admission is at 6:30 pm. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Reservations: To avoid long waits, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance online. Options include standard tickets, guided tours, and combination packages with other Roman attractions. Advance booking saves time and allows you to select a preferred entry time.
Last-minute tickets: If you haven't booked in advance, you can purchase last-minute tickets online or at the ticket office, though this may involve long waits, especially during peak season.
Skip the line: Proceed directly to the turnstile and display your smartphone ticket.
Combined tours: Packages are available that include Castel Sant'Angelo along with other attractions like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Villa Borghese, offering savings with combination tickets.
With a ticket for Castel Sant'Angelo, you can enjoy priority access to one of Rome's most iconic monuments, avoiding long lines. This ticket not only provides fast entry to the fortress but also allows you to explore both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions for a fully immersive experience in history and art. Additionally, if selected, the ticket includes a one-day pass for the hop-on hop-off tourist bus, making it easy to travel between Rome's attractions and enrich your cultural experience.
Here’s what’s included:
-Fast-track entry to Castel Sant'Angelo.
-Access to permanent and temporary exhibitions.
-1-day ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus (if this option is selected).
Sant'Angelo Castle: tips for your visit
Frequently asked questions about Castel Sant'Angelo
1. What are the opening hours of Castel Sant'Angelo?
Castel Sant'Angelo is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, with last entry at 6:30 pm. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
2. How much does the entrance ticket cost?
The standard ticket for Castel Sant'Angelo costs approximately 12 euros, with discounts for students and EU citizens under 25. Entry is free for those under 18.
3. Can you visit the secret passages?
Yes, some special tours provide access to the castle’s secret passages, a unique experience to explore hidden corridors and private rooms.
4. How long does a visit to Castel Sant'Angelo take?
A standard visit lasts around 1-2 hours, but a more in-depth tour may take longer.
5. Is it accessible for people with disabilities?
Castel Sant'Angelo is partially accessible, with ramps and elevators that facilitate access to the main areas. However, some sections may be challenging to reach for those with limited mobility.
6. Are there ticket discounts?
Discounted tickets are available for children, students, and sometimes EU residents under 25, along with combination offers that allow for additional savings.
7. Is the ticket refundable?
You can receive a full refund if you select a refundable ticket at checkout and cancel by 11:59 pm the day before your visit.
How to get to Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo is located in the heart of Rome and is easily accessible by various forms of public transport. Here are the main options for reaching the castle:
-Metro: Take Line A and get off at either Lepanto or Ottaviano station; from there, a short walk will bring you to Castel Sant'Angelo.
-Bus: Several lines, including 40, 62, and 280, stop near the castle, making it easy to reach from the city center.
-On Foot: Walking along the Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo allows you to enjoy the beauty of the river and other attractions along the way, such as St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Navona.
-Bicycles and Electric Scooters: Rome is well-served by bike lanes, making it easy to reach the castle, with rental options available.
-Car: Castel Sant'Angelo is located within a restricted traffic zone, so it's advisable to park in permitted areas nearby or use alternative means of transport.
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Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome: info, guided tours and skip the line tickets
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Castel Sant'Angelo stands in a strategic position in the heart of Rome, surrounded by the picturesque atmosphere of the Tiber Park. This riverside park follows the course of the Tiber River, which flows through the Eternal City and offers stunning views of numerous historical monuments. A walk along the river allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Rome, with Castel Sant'Angelo dominating the scene thanks to its majestic position and unique architecture.Just a short distance from the castle lies the Vatican, with the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and the famous Vatican Museums, which house some of the world’s most important artistic treasures, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. This proximity makes Castel Sant'Angelo an ideal stop for those wishing to explore Rome’s wonders in a single itinerary. St. Peter's Basilica, visible from Castel Sant'Angelo’s terrace, offers a breathtaking spectacle and a constant reminder of the city’s spirituality and art.
One of the most iconic elements near Castel Sant'Angelo is the Ponte Sant'Angelo(Sant'Angelo Bridge), a splendid pedestrian bridge that connects the two banks of the Tiber and leads directly to the castle’s entrance. Built in 134 AD by order of Emperor Hadrian, this bridge was originally intended to connect the city with his mausoleum. In the 17th century, the bridge was adorned with ten statues of angels designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, representing the Passion of Christ and giving the bridge an aura of majesty and spirituality. Today, Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of Rome’s most photographed locations, offering an enchanting view of the river and the castle.
In the immediate vicinity of Castel Sant'Angelo and the Tiber Park, you’ll find other points of interest, such as Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares with its baroque fountains, and Campo de' Fiori, a lively marketplace by day and a popular gathering spot at night. The area also offers numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in Roman culture, with traditional restaurants, historic cafes, and artisan shops that add an authentic touch to the experience.
Curiosities about Castel Sant'Angelo
Origin of the name: The castle gets its name from the appearance of the Archangel Michael, who, according to legend, appeared at the top of the castle to announce the end of a plague in 590 AD. During a procession led by Pope Gregory the Great to implore divine intervention, the archangel was seen sheathing his sword atop the castle, symbolizing peace. This vision was interpreted as a sign that the plague would soon end, and from that moment, the structure became known as Castel Sant'Angelo. Today, the statue of the Archangel Michael atop the castle serves as a reminder of this miraculous event and symbolizes divine protection over Rome.
Secret passage: One of the most fascinating features of Castel Sant'Angelo is the Passetto di Borgo, a secret passageway that connects the castle to the Vatican. This long elevated corridor was built in 1277 by order of Pope Nicholas III and served as a secure escape route for popes in times of danger. The passage was used on several occasions, most notably during the siege by Emperor Charles V’s troops in 1527, when Pope Clement VII found refuge within the castle walls. Today, the Passetto di Borgo is one of Castel Sant'Angelo’s most intriguing attractions, and its mysterious and hidden nature continues to captivate visitors' imaginations.
From Mausoleum to Castle: Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as Hadrian’s Mausoleum to house the remains of the emperor and his family. At the time, it was a grand structure covered in marble, featuring impressive decorations, including a statue of Hadrian in a chariot at the top. With the decline of the Roman Empire, the mausoleum lost its original function and was adapted as a fortress in the Middle Ages to protect the city from invasions. Thanks to its strategic location, the castle became a papal stronghold, used for defense and as a temporary residence for the popes. Later, it was transformed into a prison, where notable figures were held, including the famous goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. Its transformation from a mausoleum to a fortress reflects the castle's ability to adapt and survive throughout historical changes.
Symbol of protection: At the top of Castel Sant'Angelo stands the statue of the Archangel Michael, created by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in the 18th century. This statue depicts the Archangel sheathing his sword, symbolizing protection and peace. For centuries, Castel Sant'Angelo has been regarded as a bastion of defense for the city of Rome, and the statue of the Archangel Michael, visible from many points across the city, has become a reassuring symbol. The angel is seen as a sentinel watching over Rome, and its imposing figure reminds citizens and visitors alike of the divine protection that, according to legend, saved the city in its hour of need.