Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome | Timings, Directions, Tickets & More

Castel Sant'Angelo is primarily accessed through a single entrance located on Lungotevere Castello. Visitors must cross the Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the Aelian Bridge, to reach the attraction. There are two queues at the entrance:

Queue 1 - This queue is for visitors without tickets, and is the longer of the two queues.
Queue 2 - Visitors who have pre-booked tickets/priority access can directly enter the museum via this queue. 

Average wait time: To avoid long queues, it's advisable to make reservations in advance. Without early bookings, it may take at least half an hour or more to enter the museum, depending on the crowd on the day of your visit.

• Cloakrooms: Castel Sant'Angelo provides cloakroom facilities where visitors can securely store their bags and belongings during their visit.
• Restrooms: The attraction has restroom facilities available at level 0.
• Gift Shops: There are gift shops within the complex where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the castle and its history.
• Café: A café is located on the terrace of the castle, offering a cozy place to relax and enjoy refreshments with panoramic views of Rome.
• Elevator Services: Elevator services are available upon justified request, ensuring that visitors with special requirements have access to different levels of the castle.
• Bookshop: In the courtyard of Alexander VI, you'll find a bookshop offering a range of books and materials related to the castle's history and Rome's heritage.

• Photography: Respect posted signs regarding photography restrictions, such as the use of flash or tripods.
• Silence: Maintain a quiet atmosphere, particularly in religious spaces. Keep mobile phones on silent mode.
• No touching: Do not touch or disturb the exhibits, sculptures, or frescoes. Preserve these valuable artworks.
• No smoking: Smoking is typically not allowed inside the premises. Use designated smoking areas if available.
• Accessibility: Be considerate of other visitors, especially those with disabilities, when using elevators or ramps. Yield space to those in need.
• Security: Follow the security protocols and cooperate with the staff during any security checks.

• Arrive early to Castel Sant'Angelo for a more serene experience with fewer crowds.
• For a unique experience, visit during sunset to enjoy breathtaking views of Rome from the terrace.
• Avoid the first Sunday of the month when entry is free, as it can get extremely crowded.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as you'll explore the castle and its many levels.
• Take in the view of Castel Sant'Angelo from the pedestrian bridge over the Tiber River.
• Book your tickets online to bypass the long queues at the physical counters.
• Consider visiting the museum on a weekday for a less crowded experience compared to weekends.
• Explore the nearby attractions, such as St. Peter's Basilica and St. Angelo Bridge, to make the most of your visit to the area.

• Café Inside Castel Sant'Angelo: Enjoy a delightful coffee with views of Rome within the castle itself.
• Scialla: Located near Parco Adriana, this spot, 800 m, offers a variety of pizza flavors for a quick pick-me-up after your visit.
• La Salumeria: The restaurant, 280 m away. is run by incredibly earnest staff serving Italian, Mediterranean, Healthy, Sicilian & Southern-Italian cuisine.
• Borghiciana Artisan Pasta Factory: Suitable for vegetarians with vegan options available. Enjoy authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes at this local favorite only 550 m away.

Budget:
Hotel Sweet Home, 5.3 km; Hotel Labelle, 4.3 km

Mid-range:
NH Collection Roma Giustiniano, 800 m; Hotel La Rovere, 700 m

Luxury:
Hotel Vilon, 1 km; The First Roma Arte, 1.5 km

• Pantheon Rome: Former temple, and now, church, the Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. 
• Piazza Navona: Visit the beautiful baroque square where Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers stands.
• St. Peter’s Basilica: Only 140 meters away is the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica church is one of the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture. 
• Sistine Chapel: View the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel that are considered to be a cornerstone of Renaissance art.
• Colosseum: Visit the ancient Roman Colosseum has withstood the test of time and natural disasters.
• Roman Forum: Visit the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the Roman Forum.