Passetto di Borgo Tickets & Tours

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Passetto di Borgo Tickets & Tours





























































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What is Passetto di Borgo?

Passetto di Borgo is an 800-meter passage linking Vatican City to Castel Sant'Angelo. In 1277, Pope Nicholas III commissioned the passage as part of Rome’s medieval and Renaissance fortifications. Due to its fortified and hidden structure, it was used by popes as an escape route in times of danger. Today, the Passetto stands as a remarkable testament to the strategic foresight of the papacy and the turbulent history of medieval Rome.

How to access the passage?

Passetto di Borgo is a secret passageway connecting Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican castle. You can visit the corridor by buying tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo that provide exclusive access to the corridor.

The passageway has two entrances on the two ends of the attractions. To reach the corridor from Castel Sant’Angelo, you can enter through the Bastion of San Marco located in the northwest corner of the fortress. At St. Peter’s Basilica, you can access the passage’s entrance right behind the famous Bernini’s colonnade.

Things to know before booking Passetto di Borgo tickets

  • Remember that not all entry tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo include the secret passage. To visit the corridor choose tickets that provide exclusive access to it.
  • Passetto di Borgo has been a hidden papal escape route with discreet viewpoints and traces of old guard posts. An expert guide would help you uncover its legends and mysteries with insights into its secrets.
  • The passage connects the Vatican to the fortress. A combo tour of all three would curate a unique experience of papal history without the hassle of separate tickets.
  • Standard tours to the passage do not include access to wheelchair users.

Why visit Passetto di Borgo?

Passetto di Borgo - Castel Sant'Angelo - view from top
  • Newly restored and reopened: After six years of restoration, the Passetto di Borgo is finally open to the public again. The once-hidden route now features museum exhibits, a restored trapdoor, and a new lighting system that reveals details previously lost in the dark.
  • Legacy of 1900 years of defense: Built atop the 9th-century Leonine Wall, the corridor features thick stone walls and military stations once used by guards to monitor movement in the Borgo district. Its strategic location due its elevated design helped the guards suppress riots in the city.
  • Walk the path of popes: You can walk the same route that was once taken by Pope Clement VII during Sack of Rome in 1527. He fled through the passage into the securities of Castel Sant’Angelo from the Apostolic Palace.
  • Photography spots: The open-air part of the corridor offers contrasting panoramic views—with historic architecture of the Vatican on one side and modern cityscape of Rome on the other. You can click scenic photos here!
  • Literary connection: Fans of Dan Brown's Angels & Demons will love the chance to see a real location from the novel, adding a layer of intrigue for visitors.

Your Passetto di Borgo ticket types explained

Entry to Passetto di Borgo is not always included in a Castel Sant’Angelo ticket. You would need to book tickets that provide exclusive access to the passage in order to visit it.

Here’s a breakdown of the ticketing options for Passetto di Borgo available to you:

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Ticket typeIs Passetto access included?Why go for it?Starting priceRecommended tickets

€22Castel Sant’Angelo & Passetto di Borgo Entry Tickets

€38.90Castel Sant’Angelo & Passetto di Borgo Entry Tickets

€46.34Combo: Castel Sant'Angelo & Passetto di Borgo + St. Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

What's to see inside?

museum exhibits

Museum exhibits

At the Bastion of San Marco, sculpture groups by Giovanni Prini and a marble effigy of Pope Paul IV can be found in its museum exhibits.

Castel Sant'Angelo linked to Passetto di Borgo in Rome, Italy.

Dual-level pathways

You can explore both upper (open air) and lower (enclosed) levels of the route with the former providing a scenic panoramic view of Rome.

Strategic watchtowers

Strategic watchtowers

The route has watchtowers built for surveillance purposes providing strategic advantage to the army.

Pope Alexander VI’s coat of arms

Pope Alexander VI’s coat of arms

You can take a look at the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VI displayed on the inner wall of Passetto di Borgo.

The story behind the corridor

In response to the Saracen raid of 844, Pope Leo IV built a defensive wall around St. Peter’s Basilica, known as the Mura Leonine. The fortified area became known as Civitas Leoniana.

In 1277, Pope Nicholas III converted an 800-meter stretch of this wall into a secure, elevated passage linking the Apostolic Palace to Castel Sant’Angelo—this became the Passetto di Borgo.

In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI reinforced the corridor by raising the wall and adding a second rampart above it, strengthening its role as an escape route and military structure. These upgrades gave the Passetto much of its current appearance and defensive features.

Learn about Castel Sant'Angelo's history

Holy escapes: Popes who took the passage

Pope Alexander VI

Pope Alexander VI

In 1494, as Charles VIII of France entered Italy with a powerful army, his rapid approach toward Rome sent shockwaves through the city. Fearing for his safety, Pope Alexander VI made a dramatic escape through the Passetto di Borgo, the hidden corridor linking the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Shielded from public view, the elevated passage allowed him to slip away undetected and take refuge in the heavily fortified castle. This event underscored the strategic importance of the Passetto as a secret lifeline for the papacy during times of invasion and unrest.

Pope Clement VII

Pope Clement VII

In 1527, during the Sack of Rome, Pope Clement VII fled through the Passetto di Borgo to Castel Sant'Angelo as the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V invaded the city. Trapped in the castle for seven months, he witnessed the city’s devastation while the Swiss Guard bravely fought to protect him. Most of the Guard were massacred, their sacrifice ensuring Clement VII's survival and solidifying the Passetto's place in history as a symbol of papal resilience.

Know before you go

Castel Sant'Angelo with Passetto di Borgo walkway in Rome, Italy.

Thursday to Sunday: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Closed on: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Last admission: 6:30 PM

While specific daily schedules can vary, tours are generally offered during the daytime. It's advisable to check the latest timings and availability while booking your tickets.

Address: Viale Giuseppe Ceccarelli, 00193 Rome RM, Italy

Getting there

  • By bus: Line 40
    Closest bus stop: Risorgimento/Porta Angelica, 3-minute walk
  • By metro: Line A
    Closest station: Ottaviano, 4-minute walk
Entrance to Passetto di Borgo

The passage has two entrances, one from the San Marco Bastion of Castel Sant'Angelo and another near the Piazza della Città Leonina, just outside St. Peter’s Square, adjacent to the Vatican Walls. Make sure to check which entrance you need to report to for your tour.

Disabled access at Castle Sant Angelo
  • Restrooms: Within the passage there are no restrooms. However, in the fortress you may find restrooms on the lower levels and in the cafe at the terrace.
  • Disabled access: Although elevators have been installed in the passage, only certain assisted tours provide wheelchair access.
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  • Food and Beverages: Eating and drinking are not permitted within the passageway. It's recommended to dine before or after the tour.
  • Photography: While photography is generally allowed, flash photography may be restricted to preserve the artifacts and structure.

Frequently asked questions about Passetto di Borgo tickets

Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?

Yes, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, as they are in high demand and have limited slots.

What can be found on a tour of the passage?

On a tour to the Passetto di Borgo, you'll find a dual level pathway, with an open upper level passage and an enclosed corridor. In the enclosed corridor you will encounter narrow slits in walls that once served as military guard posts.

What can I do at the passetto?

You can walk along the Passetto di Borgo, learn about the papal history associated with it, enjoy its defensive architecture, and experience stunning views of Rome from various vantage points along the route.

Is there a dress code for visiting the passage?

There is no specific dress code for visiting Passetto di Borgo. However, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes as the passageway is dimly lit and the surface is uneven.

Is photography allowed here?

Photography for personal use is allowed at Passetto di Borgo, however, there are restrictions on flash photography.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is provided on special assisted tours. Your standard entry tickets may not provide access to wheelchair users.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.