Castel S. Angelo in Rome

The huge circular hulk of Castel St. Angelo near the edge of the Vatican City was commissioned and built by Hadrian as his own mausoleum. It was renamed during the 6th century from Pope Gregory and converted to a fortress. Vatican City was then connected through a passageway to the Castle (called “Il Passetto” located in Prati district and in particular in Borgo Pio Area see apartments in Prati or Borgo Pio if you are interested in staying in this location).

The Castle was indeed a refuge for the Pope in times of siege or invasion. Immediately inside a large spiral (originally thought to allow the passage of horses) leads up into the centre of Mausoleum and then to the top where a small palace was built as magnificent house for the papal residents. The atmosphere is a unique mix of decorations and medieval austerity with some rooms holding swords, armours, guns while others finely decorated (the bathroom of Clement VII at 2nd floor can not e missed). Finally we suggest a break at the bar upstairs with one of the best views of Rome and very good coffee.

During the summer the Castle is often open also in the night with concerts, Theatre . While in the area in front of the castle cinema d’ estate takes place and along the river Tevere just below the Castle there are many bars and restaurants open for the "Estate Romana" period .

When to Visit Castle S. Angelo

Opening Hours: The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 19.00, the ticket office closes at 18.30. Closed on Monday, December 25 and January 1.

Tickets and prices: the entrance fee is € 5.00, but can be increased in correspondence special exhibitions and events. EU citizens aged between 18 and 25 and EU teachers with permanent contracts (not in private schools) are entitled to a reduction (€ 2.50) in the cost of tickets. Admission is free for all EU citizens under 18 or over 65 years, EU students and teachers of the faculties of Art History, Architecture, Literature with historical-artistic, officials of the Ministry of  Culture, members of ICOM, tourist guides and interpreters service, journalists with card order and accompanied by teachers and school groups by reservation. It is even possible to book tickets online on the officail website or call the numbers www.ticketeria.it: +39 06.32.810 - 199.757.510. The museum has an elevator which can be used by people with physical disabilities to reach the top floors of the building and is equipped with proper sanitation, however, given the particular structure of the castle some areas are not accessible.

Our recommendations and tips about Castle s. Angelo: We warmly invite our guests to make a break at the Castel S. Angelo's terrace, situated on the highest point of the monument, just below the bronze sculpture depicting an angel statue that gives its name to the monument. Such a sculpture indeed remembers the Pope Gregory's vision of the Archangel Michael. The archangel sheathing his sword announced the end of the plague that was flailing Rome. From this terrace you may have a unique panorama of Rome, which can be appreciated even more due to maps available and showing all the monuments of Rome as churches, palaces, synagogue,.. The services offered within the castle are the bathrooms, a bar and it is also possible to rent  an audio guide provided at the bookshop.

Finally visit the castle soon and get the ideal condiotions to breathe its magical atmosphere. It fills up quickly in the morning as usually already after 9.30 starts to be really crowded.