Castel Sant'Angelo: reviews, price and practical tips

+28
recos
4.6/5 5 reviews
Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Rome, Italy
Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Rome, Italy
Skip-the-line ticket from $21*
Booking recommended
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Château Saint-Ange à Rome
Castel Sant'Angelo et le pont Sant'Angelo
Chateau Saint-Ange

Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is a monument in Rome that spans 2,000 years of history involving both the city and the Vatican. The structure was originally built by the architect Demetriano in 135 AD at the request of Emperor Hadrian, who commissioned it as a mausoleum modeled after the Mausoleum of Augustus, also located in Rome. By 403 AD, its purpose shifted and it was integrated into the Aurelian Wall, the defensive perimeter of Rome. Over the centuries, the monument underwent major transformations, serving as a fortress, a prison, and a papal residence before becoming a museum in the early 20th century.

The origin of the name Castel Sant'Angelo

The name Castel Sant'Angelo stems from a mystical event during the great plague of 590. While crossing the bridge with a procession of the faithful, Pope Gregory I had a vision of the Archangel Michael atop the castle, sheathing his sword. This was interpreted as a sign that the epidemic was coming to an end. To honor this event, both the bridge and the fortress were renamed Sant'Angelo, and a statue of the angel with his sword was erected at the summit. The original was destroyed multiple times, meaning the current bronze statue dates to 1753.

Links between Castel Sant'Angelo and the Vatican

In 1365, the fortress was ceded to the Vatican. Popes used the castle as a refuge during the conflicts that punctuated the following centuries. An 800-meter elevated corridor known as the passetto was constructed to connect the building to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing religious leaders to flee quickly in the event of an attack. During the 15th century, Pope Alexander VI and his successors transformed the castle into a papal residence.

Skip-the-line ticket from $21*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Castel Sant'Angelo

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Summary of 5 reviews
4.6/5
Average rating
+28
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.4
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.6

Avygeo ranking

#68
in the world
#65
in Europe
#6
in Italy
#5
in Rome

Beautiful!

An incredible atmosphere in this fortress, a very well preserved castle, very enriching for the history of Rome.
A cafe restaurant with a stunning view of Rome awaits you at the very top :)

4
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View of the Eternal City

Another impressive landmark. I remember the massive silhouette of the castle and the statues. The place has a special atmosphere at the end of the day. The proximity to the Tiber creates a very romantic vibe. And then there is that view once you reach the top floor... Plus, all the layers of Roman history intermingle there to create a visit full of emotion!

2
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Gorgeous view of the city

Less known than other monuments in Rome, Castel Sant'Angelo is still worth a look. The tour of the interior is very interesting. But what is truly impressive is the view you will have of the city from the top of the castle. You will be able to take some beautiful photos and admire the panorama. In general, it is not too crowded.

2
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An angelic terrace

Arriving at the monument across the magnificent bridge of angels, which you have to go back and admire at night, is exceptional. The castle itself, unique in its architecture but quite bare, does not contain many artworks. The visit, which retraces a historical period of the building on each floor, interested me though, especially the third level which features Renaissance paintings and decorations. The main asset of the castle remains its terrace dominated by the very beautiful bronze statue of the Archangel Michael. The splendid panoramic view over the city center is worth the climb.

2
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Really pretty view

This castle, which you reach via the Ponte Sant'Angelo, offers some really pretty views. The Tiber, the statues on the bridge, the lights illuminating the facade... a very romantic setting for a stroll once evening falls.

2
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