Castel Sant'Angelo: A Journey Through Time

Name: Castel Sant'Angelo
Address: 50, Roma, Lazio, 00193, IT
Rating: 4.7

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Castel Sant'Angelo: A Journey Through Time

Overview

Castel Sant'Angelo, originally constructed as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian between 130-139 A.D., is a monumental structure steeped in history and located by the banks of the River Tiber in Rome. This cylindrical fortress, measuring 64 meters in diameter, evolved significantly throughout the centuries, serving various purposes from a royal tomb to a fortified papal refuge. With its dramatic transformation into a military stronghold during the Middle Ages, the castle features fortified walls and additional towers that tell the story of Rome's resilience against invasions. The iconic Passetto di Borgo, a secret passage leading to the Vatican built in the 14th century, further highlights its importance. Over time, the castle housed prisoners and served as a prison, adding layers to its rich narrative. Today, Castel Sant'Angelo is a celebrated national museum, offering visitors glimpses into its luxurious papal residence, haunting prisons, and breathtaking views of the Eternal City from its terraces. With its historical significance and architectural beauty, it remains a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Rome.

Reviews

David Mendez

United States

A must-visit sight in Rome; it's a captivating museum that shares the history of the castle from Hadrian's mausoleum to fortress. I recommend using the audio guide for additional insights, and the displays with models illustrating the structure's evolution through the centuries are really intriguing. It tends to get crowded, so aim to arrive right at opening time.

Matthew Collins

United Kingdom

I had an amazing visit here, and thankfully it’s not as crowded as the main attractions like the Vatican, making it much more enjoyable to explore without the feeling of being swallowed by a crowd. There’s so much to see, and the views from the rooftop are absolutely breathtaking – definitely don’t miss out on them. Plus, the admission fee is quite reasonable.

Kevin Flynn

Ireland

We enjoyed our visit and found the audio guide helpful for understanding the history while walking through the castle grounds. It was great to explore in the evening as it’s open until after 7 pm, allowing us to see the surroundings as the sun set and the buildings lit up. It was much quieter too, so no waiting in line. I can imagine it gets quite busy later on.

Selina Irwin

Australia

I highly recommend visiting in the evening as it’s open until 7 pm, offering spectacular views over the city. Although there were others there, it wasn’t crowded and was very serene to wander around. For those with disability passes, entrance is free and staff will assist you to a private lift that takes you to the first level, allowing wheelchair access for enjoying the view, though some areas can only be accessed via stairs. This experience was the highlight of our trip.

Mary Johnson

United States

This might be one of the most underrated attractions in Rome. Not only do you get to explore a beautiful castle, but you'll also enjoy some of the best panoramic views in the city. I recommend hiring a tour guide; we attempted a self-guided tour, but it would have been great to hear the backstories and details. You can read about the exhibits as you move from the bottom to the top floor; most areas felt very accessible. It’s an amazing destination – highly recommended.