The impressive Castel San Angelo, also known as the Castle of Angels, is one of the most extraordinary sites in Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later served as a fortress, papal sanctuary and prison. This iconic structure just off the Vatican is a must-see for anyone who loves history and culture. Would you like to visit Castel Sant Angelo? Find all the information you need here!
The history of Castel Sant Angelo
Castel Sant Angelo was built between 135 and 139 at the behest of Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum. It served as the final resting place for Roman emperors until Emperor Caracalla in 217.
Over the centuries, Castel Sant Angelo has had many functions. In 403, it became a military fortress and part of the Aurelian Wall, designed to protect Rome. Later, in 1277, it became a refuge for popes during wars, connected to the Vatican through the secret passage Passetto di Borgo. In the 16th century, Pope Clement VII used the castle to escape during the looting of Rome.
Castel Sant Angelo also served as a prison, where Galileo Galilei, among others, was imprisoned. He was persecuted for praising heliocentrism, which at the time contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church. Today the castle is a museum with an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
The name Castel Sant Angelo originated in 590, when Pope Gregory I claimed to have seen the archangel Michael, announcing the end of a plague epidemic. In his honor, a statue of the angel now stands atop the castle.
Sightseeing in Castel Sant Angelo
Castel Sant Angelo has been a museum since 1925 where you can see a unique collection of art and military artifacts. This impressive monument will introduce you to the many roles it has had over the centuries. Visiting Castel Sant Angelo is a great way to learn more about Rome’s history.
The castle is divided into six floors:
First floor: exhibition of medieval weapons
Second floor: the mausoleum with preserved imperial tombs
Second floor: the old prison cells
Third floor: museum with works of art and historical objects
Fourth floor: papal chambers with magnificent Renaissance frescoes
Fifth floor: a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of Rome
In front of the castle is the beautiful St. Annius Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo). Before crossing the bridge, it is definitely worth taking a photo. From here you have a magnificent view of the bridge with Castel Sant Angelo in the background!
The impressive Angel Bridge
The Ponte Sant Angelo connects Castel Sant Angelo to the other side of the Tiber River and is one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome. Along the bridge are ten statues of angels created by pupils of Bernini. Each angel holds an object referring to the Passion of Jesus. With the castle in the background, this is a wonderful place to admire and take pictures.
How long does a visit to Castel Sant Angelo take?
Want to really explore Castel Sant Angelo properly? Then count on about 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to explore the different floors, from the old prisons and the Papal Apartments to the terraces with stunning views of Rome.
Food and drink at the Angel Castle
On the roof of Castel Sant Angelo you will find Le Terrazze Restaurant, an ideal place to enjoy a delicious Italian meal. While you eat, you can simultaneously enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rome.
Tickets for Castel Sant Angelo in Rome
Want to visit Castel Sant’Angelo? Here are the current ticket prices:
Your ticket gives you access to all floors of the castle, including the old prisons, the Papal Apartments and the panoramic terrace with stunning views of Rome.
If you have the time, a tour of Castel Sant Angelo is well worth it! A guide will tell you all about the history of the castle and show you details you might otherwise miss. This will make your visit even more interesting than with an audio guide.
Rome has so many special places that a guided tour is often the best way to discover everything properly. Castel Sant’Angelo is no exception!
With the Roma Pass you get free admission to Castel Sant Angelo! This is a smart way to save both time and money. Plus, you can use skip-the-line access at two attractions of your choice, so you won’t have to wait in long lines.
Castel Sant Angelo is on the right bank of the Tiber, at Lungotevere Castello 50, close to the Vatican.
Here’s how to get there:
1. By metro: Take line A and get off at Ottaviano stop, from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
2.By bus: Bus lines 23, 62, 271, 280 and 982 stop at Piazza Pia, a short distance from the castle.
Opening hours Angel Castle in Rome
The Angel Castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ( last admission at 6:30 p.m.), except Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25.
Is the Angel Castle worth it?
Our visit to Castel Sant Angelo was really worthwhile. Not only the outside is impressive, but there is also a lot to discover inside. As soon as we stepped inside, we felt the long history of the castle. We saw how it changed over the centuries, from an imperial mausoleum to a papal refuge to a military fortress. Each room had its own story, giving us a unique view of Rome through the centuries. A visit we definitely recommend!
Affordable deals for a city break to Rome
Are you planning to visit Rome and also want to discover the Angel Castle? Then take advantage of these special offers for an unforgettable trip!
Castel Sant Angelo in Rome: Is it worth a visit?
The impressive Castel San Angelo, also known as the Castle of Angels, is one of the most extraordinary sites in Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later served as a fortress, papal sanctuary and prison. This iconic structure just off the Vatican is a must-see for anyone who loves history and culture. Would you like to visit Castel Sant Angelo? Find all the information you need here!
The history of Castel Sant Angelo
Castel Sant Angelo was built between 135 and 139 at the behest of Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum. It served as the final resting place for Roman emperors until Emperor Caracalla in 217.
Over the centuries, Castel Sant Angelo has had many functions. In 403, it became a military fortress and part of the Aurelian Wall, designed to protect Rome. Later, in 1277, it became a refuge for popes during wars, connected to the Vatican through the secret passage Passetto di Borgo. In the 16th century, Pope Clement VII used the castle to escape during the looting of Rome.
Castel Sant Angelo also served as a prison, where Galileo Galilei, among others, was imprisoned. He was persecuted for praising heliocentrism, which at the time contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church. Today the castle is a museum with an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
The name Castel Sant Angelo originated in 590, when Pope Gregory I claimed to have seen the archangel Michael, announcing the end of a plague epidemic. In his honor, a statue of the angel now stands atop the castle.
Sightseeing in Castel Sant Angelo
Castel Sant Angelo has been a museum since 1925 where you can see a unique collection of art and military artifacts. This impressive monument will introduce you to the many roles it has had over the centuries. Visiting Castel Sant Angelo is a great way to learn more about Rome’s history.
The castle is divided into six floors:
First floor: exhibition of medieval weapons
Second floor: the mausoleum with preserved imperial tombs
Second floor: the old prison cells
Third floor: museum with works of art and historical objects
Fourth floor: papal chambers with magnificent Renaissance frescoes
Fifth floor: a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of Rome
In front of the castle is the beautiful St. Annius Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo). Before crossing the bridge, it is definitely worth taking a photo. From here you have a magnificent view of the bridge with Castel Sant Angelo in the background!
The impressive Angel Bridge
The Ponte Sant Angelo connects Castel Sant Angelo to the other side of the Tiber River and is one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome. Along the bridge are ten statues of angels created by pupils of Bernini. Each angel holds an object referring to the Passion of Jesus. With the castle in the background, this is a wonderful place to admire and take pictures.
How long does a visit to Castel Sant Angelo take?
Want to really explore Castel Sant Angelo properly? Then count on about 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to explore the different floors, from the old prisons and the Papal Apartments to the terraces with stunning views of Rome.
Food and drink at the Angel Castle
On the roof of Castel Sant Angelo you will find Le Terrazze Restaurant, an ideal place to enjoy a delicious Italian meal. While you eat, you can simultaneously enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rome.
Tickets for Castel Sant Angelo in Rome
Want to visit Castel Sant’Angelo? Here are the current ticket prices:
1. Children: €2.30
2. EU citizens (with ID): €4.90
3. Adults: €21.50
Your ticket gives you access to all floors of the castle, including the old prisons, the Papal Apartments and the panoramic terrace with stunning views of Rome.
Guided tour of the Angel Castle
If you have the time, a tour of Castel Sant Angelo is well worth it! A guide will tell you all about the history of the castle and show you details you might otherwise miss. This will make your visit even more interesting than with an audio guide.
Rome has so many special places that a guided tour is often the best way to discover everything properly. Castel Sant’Angelo is no exception!
Save on your ticket with the Roma Pass
With the Roma Pass you get free admission to Castel Sant Angelo! This is a smart way to save both time and money. Plus, you can use skip-the-line access at two attractions of your choice, so you won’t have to wait in long lines.
Location and accessibility of the Angel Castle
Castel Sant Angelo is on the right bank of the Tiber, at Lungotevere Castello 50, close to the Vatican.
Here’s how to get there:
1. By metro: Take line A and get off at Ottaviano stop, from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
2.By bus: Bus lines 23, 62, 271, 280 and 982 stop at Piazza Pia, a short distance from the castle.
Opening hours Angel Castle in Rome
The Angel Castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ( last admission at 6:30 p.m.), except Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25.
Is the Angel Castle worth it?
Our visit to Castel Sant Angelo was really worthwhile. Not only the outside is impressive, but there is also a lot to discover inside. As soon as we stepped inside, we felt the long history of the castle. We saw how it changed over the centuries, from an imperial mausoleum to a papal refuge to a military fortress. Each room had its own story, giving us a unique view of Rome through the centuries. A visit we definitely recommend!
Affordable deals for a city break to Rome
Are you planning to visit Rome and also want to discover the Angel Castle? Then take advantage of these special offers for an unforgettable trip!
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