Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Magnificent historical monument
- Breathtaking views
Time required: 20 minutes
Phone: +39 06 6819111
Web site: http://www.castelsantang...
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday - Sunday: | 9am - 7pm |
| Monday: | Closed |
| Jan 1 and Dec 25: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 8 € |
| Reduced: | 5.5 € |
Public transport:
- Metro Line A: Lepanto station
Address: 50 Lungotevere Castello, Rome
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: edwin.11
Things you need to know:
- Castel Sant' Angelo is a fortress on the left bank of River Tiber
- Originally it was a massive circular building erected by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family
- After Hadrian's ashes were placed here, many succeeding Emperors were buried on the site
- After being converted into a fortress it was used as the papal castle for about 1000 years
- A covered fortified corridor, called the Passetto di Borgo, connects the castle to St. Peter's Basilica
- It takes its name after Pope Gregory the Great's vision of St Michael announcing the end of a plague from the castle's tower in 590
- The bronze statue of a sword-bearing archangel on the top commemorates this event
What to do there:
- Walk through the bridge lined with Bernini angels
- Take some great photos of the castle and St Peter's basilica from the bridge
Tips & Insights:
- Castel Sant'Angelo currently houses the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo museum. The collections include ceramics, sculptures, a picture gallery and the Armory
