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- Castel Sant'Angelo
- Archangel Michael Statue
- Mausoleum of Hadrian
- Ponte Sant’Angelo
- Passetto di Borgo
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Contents
Explore Castel Sant'Angelo: Artifacts, history, and terrace views
Originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'angelo transformed into a fortress, prison and now a historical attraction. From stunning architecture to breathtaking views of Rome's skyline, it pulls millions of tourists every year. Here...
Founded By
Decriannus
Castel Sant AngeloCastel Sant'Angelo
Quick Information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
09:00–19:30
VISITORS PER YEAR
1234443
TICKETS
From € 16
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
Originally known as the "Mausoleum of Hadrian," the castle acquired its current name in 590 AD when legend suggests that the Archangel Michael appeared atop the castle, ending a plague in Rome.
Castel Sant'Angelo is linked to the Vatican by a secret elevated passageway called the Passetto di Borgo. This 800-meter corridor served as an escape route for popes during times of danger—most notably used by Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.
The statue of the angel atop the castle has faced misfortune throughout history, being destroyed multiple times by various calamities before the current bronze statue was installed in 1753.
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History of Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome
Hadrian's tomb
Although the iconic Castel Sant’Angelo Rome has served as a fortress, palace, and prison across history, it was built as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian and his family back in AD 139. The tomb was erected on the bank of River Tiber, and his ashes were placed here a year after his demise. The ashes of his wife, Sabina, and son, Lucius Aelius were also placed here. The mains of succeeding emperors, until Caracalla in AD 217, has also been deposited here. In addition to this tomb, Hadrian is also known for building the Temple of Venus & Roma, The Pantheon, and the Villa at Tivoli.
Mausoleum of Hadrain
3rd century to the Middle Ages
In 403 AD, emperor Honorius incorporated the mausoleum into the Aurelian walls, thereby transforming it into a fortress used for defense. When plague hit Rome in 590 AD, Pope Gregory I had a vision of the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword over the castle, signifying its end, thus lending the structure its current name, "Castle of the Holy Angel." The structure has been passed through the hands of various Popes, who transformed it into a residence, prison, and court, all while maintaining its role as a fortress. In the late Middle Ages, Pope Nicholas III commissioned the construction of the Passetto di Borgo, an elevated passageway that links the Vatican to the castle.
Learn about Archangel Michael's legend
Renaissance and later
During the Renaissance, Castel Sant’Angelo Rome underwent a complete transformation under Cardinal Della Rovere, who preferred to reside inside the Castle rather than in the Vatican Palace. The Papal residences were renovated during this time. The Loggia towards the Tiber was also built.
A massive castle was built on the ancient ruins of the Hadrian Mausoleum and the majority of the original statues on the Ponte Sant'Angelo were lost. The ten statues we see on the bridge today were designed by Bernini in 1668 and the two statues of St. Peter & St. Paul at the end of the bridge were erected in 1624.
Discover more about the castle's history
Museum
After serving as a prison, barracks, and even a warehouse for war materials, it was decommissioned in 1901. The Mausoleum was completely abandoned until Colonel Luigi Durand de la Penne and Captain Mariano Borgatti decided to restore it.
After a massive 6-year-long restoration campaign, it was inaugurated as a museum by King Vittorio Emanuele III. Inside Castel Sant Angelo, visitors can view the famous open-air scenography, restored fifteenth-century shops, numerous works of art, statues, frescoes and even visit the Papal Apartments that are furnished with authentic pieces of history.
Castel Sant’Angelo Rome highlights
Archangel Michael statue
At the top of Castel Sant’Angelo stands the statue of Archangel Michael, marking a legendary moment in Roman history. According to tradition, Pope Gregory the Great saw a vision of Michael sheathing his sword here in 590 AD, signaling the end of a plague. The current bronze statue, made by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in 1753, commemorates that vision. Today, it’s a key highlight of the castle and offers sweeping views of Rome.
Passetto di Borgo
The Passetto di Borgo is an elevated corridor that links the Castel Sant'Angelo with the Vatican City. This 800-meter-long passageway was built in 1277 and was commissioned by Pope Nicholas III. During this time the fortress also happened to serve as the Pope’s Residence.
The passage served as an escape route for Popes in case of an attack. Pope Alexander VI used it when Charles VIII invaded Rome in 1494 and Clement VII crossed it during the Sack of Rome in 1527. Visitors can see the passage from the castle and it is occasionally opened to the general public in the summer months.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
The Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge on the bank of the Tiber River that connects the Castel Sant’Angelo to the city. The 135-meter bridge was built by Emperor Hadrian.
Initially known as the Aelian Bridge or Hadrian’s Bridge, it was used by Christian pilgrims as a passageway to St. Peter’s Basilica. However, during the 7th Century, when Archangel Michael's statue was erected at the mausoleum, the bridge was renamed the Ponte Sant'Angelo. During the Renaissance era, the Pope commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to sculpt 10 angels to be erected on either side of the bridge.
All your questions answered about Castel Sant’Angelo Rome
What is Castel Sant’Angelo?
Castel Sant'Angelo was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his successors in AD 123-139. Over the years, the structure has served as a fortress, prison, and Papal Quarters. It is currently a museum.
When was Castel Sant’Angelo built?
Castel Sant’Angelo was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 123 AD and got completed in 135 AD.
What is the Castel Sant’Angelo Rome famous for?
The Castel Sant’Angelo Rome is famous for being the tomb of Emperor Hadrian. It is also known serving as a fortress, prison, and Papal residence throughout history. Today, the museum is known for its cultural and historical value.
Where is Hadrian’s tomb?
Emperor Hadrian’s tomb is located inside Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.
Is Castel Sant’Angelo still standing?
Although the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum went through major renovations and reconstructions throughout history, it is currently standing as a museum of cultural value.
What is inside Castel Sant’Angelo?
Inside Castel Sant’Angelo Rome, you can find Hadrian's Tomb, the Papal quarters, fortress, execution ground, and well-preserved frescos and more.
What is Castel Sant'Angelo used for now?
The Castel Sant’Angelo currently operates as a museum showcasing art, history, and panoramic views of Rome.
Does Castel Sant'Angelo belong to Vatican City?
No, Castel Sant’Angelo Rome does not belong to the Vatican City. It belongs to the Republic of Italy and is administered by the National Museum Department of the Rome City Council.
How much does it cost to visit Castel Sant’Angelo?
The Castel Sant'Angelo ticket prices start at € 16.
