About this experience
This historic location was originally built to be a tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family and it was finished in 139 AD. Despite its original purpose, Castel Sant’Angelo was almost immediately converted into a military building. In addition to serving that purpose, this is also the location where Pope Gregory I saw a vision of St. Michael the Archangel in 590, announcing the end of a great epidemic in Rome. To this day, a statue of St. Michael still adorns the top of Castel Sant’Angelo. Several centuries later, a corridor would be built to connect the castle with Vatican City so that the Pope could escape in the event of an emergency. In 1527, Pope Clement VII actually used this building as a refuge during sieges which were taking place in Rome.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation and private chauffeur
- Private professional guide inside Castel Sant'Angelo
- Entrance tickets in Castel Sant'Angelo
Not included
- Food and Beverages
- Gratuities. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary.
Itinerary and highlights
Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress located on the right bank of the Tiber, a short distance from the Vatican City. Construction of the building began in the year 135 under the direction of the Emperor Hadrian, who intended to use it as mausoleum for himself and his family. It was finished in the year 139 and a short time later, it became a military building, which in the year 403 would be integrated to the Aurelian Walls.
In the year 590, while a great epidemic of plague devastated the city, the Pope Gregory I had a vision of Saint Michael the Archangel on top of the castle, announcing the end of the epidemic. In memory of the apparition the building is crowned with a statue of an angel.
In the year 1277 an 800 metre fortified corridor was built that connected the castle with the Vatican City so that the Pope could escape in the event that he were in danger. During the sieges that occurred in Rome during 1527, the Pope Clement VII used the fortress as a refuge. The Castel Sant'Angelo is split into five floors which can be reached by a spiral ramp that first reaches the chamber of ashes and subsequently the cells in which a number of historical figures were incarcerated.
Advancing toward the upper part of the castle you will find different rooms that functioned as a Papal residence, decorated with perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period, besides the extensive collection of weapons. In the upper floor there is a large terrace where you can take amazing photographs of the city from above.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick up at your accomodation (hotel, B&B, apartment). Please confirm us the pick up address. N.B.: If your accomodation is not in the area indicated on the above map, send us a message to arrange your pick up.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rome Italy Explora
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
N.B.: If your accomodation is not in the area indicated on the above map, send us a message to arrange your pick up.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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