Castel Sant Angelo
Behold the pinnacle of Roman art, armament, and architecture at the remarkable Castel Sant'Angelo. Browse through our collection of Castel Sant'Angelo tickets to enjoy skip-the-line entry, multilingual audio guides, and reserved entry, with combo tours.
Castel Sant'Angelo Skip-the-Line Tickets
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Avoid ticketing queues with these skip-the-line tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo, a historical building that has existed since the 2nd century!
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Explore the preserved statues, art, and weapons along all 5 floors. Upgrade and get hosted entry straight into the stunning Roman architecture.
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Add on an audio guide to learn how parts of the mausoleum-turned-castle served as living quarters, a fortress, and even a prison!
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Fun fact: The castle has made appearances in several films and novels, including Dan Brown's iconic Angels & Demons.
More details
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Avoid ticketing queues with these skip-the-line tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo, a historical building that has existed since the 2nd century!
-
Explore the preserved statues, art, and weapons along all 5 floors. Upgrade and get hosted entry straight into the stunning Roman architecture.
-
Add on an audio guide to learn how parts of the mausoleum-turned-castle served as living quarters, a fortress, and even a prison!
-
Fun fact: The castle has made appearances in several films and novels, including Dan Brown's iconic Angels & Demons.
Castel Sant'Angelo Guided Tour
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Jump past queues and join this unique tour of Castel Sant'Angelo, an extraordinary mausoleum-turned-fortress that has passed hands from Emperor Hadrian to the Papacy.
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View the papal apartments, and get picturesque views of the Tiber River and city from defensive ramparts, led by an expert guide in your preferred language!
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Traverse the castle that has become a 'museum of itself' with a group of just 20 guests. Choose between a 1 or 2-hour tour.
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Fun fact: From the end of the 11th century, the Angel at the top of the castle has been substituted 6 times.
More details
-
Jump past queues and join this unique tour of Castel Sant'Angelo, an extraordinary mausoleum-turned-fortress that has passed hands from Emperor Hadrian to the Papacy.
-
View the papal apartments, and get picturesque views of the Tiber River and city from defensive ramparts, led by an expert guide in your preferred language!
-
Traverse the castle that has become a 'museum of itself' with a group of just 20 guests. Choose between a 1 or 2-hour tour.
-
Fun fact: From the end of the 11th century, the Angel at the top of the castle has been substituted 6 times.
Combo (Save 5%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Castel Sant'Angelo Priority Access Tickets
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Save money with this combo ticket, as you get priority entry with a dedicated host to Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
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See works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and more at the Vatican Museums.
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Explore Michelangelo's iconic ceiling and wall frescoes in the magnificent Sistine Chapel.
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Visit the Mausoleum of Hadrian at Castel Sant'Angelo, a historical monument that dates back over 2000 years!
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Fun Fact: The magnificent statues at Castel Sant’Angelo were added during the Baroque period.
More details
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Save money with this combo ticket, as you get priority entry with a dedicated host to Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
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See works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and more at the Vatican Museums.
-
Explore Michelangelo's iconic ceiling and wall frescoes in the magnificent Sistine Chapel.
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Visit the Mausoleum of Hadrian at Castel Sant'Angelo, a historical monument that dates back over 2000 years!
-
Fun Fact: The magnificent statues at Castel Sant’Angelo were added during the Baroque period.
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Castel Sant'Angelo Skip-the-Line Tickets
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Use your 1-day hop-on hop-off pass to check off all the top attractions, from the Borghese Gallery to Bioparco Zoo and even the Colosseum!
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Stay entertained with free Wi-Fi and an insightful audio guide available in 16 languages on board the open-top double-decker buses.
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Skip the lines and wander through all five levels of Castel Sant’Angelo at your own pace. Don’t miss the many courtyards and the panoramic terrace.
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Upgrade for a breezy hosted entry and a multilingual audio guide to know the history of this ancient Roman mausoleum-turned-papal fortress!
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Fun fact: You can get off at stop no. 6 (on all hop-on hop-off routes) to arrive directly outside Castel Sant’Angelo.
More details
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Use your 1-day hop-on hop-off pass to check off all the top attractions, from the Borghese Gallery to Bioparco Zoo and even the Colosseum!
-
Stay entertained with free Wi-Fi and an insightful audio guide available in 16 languages on board the open-top double-decker buses.
-
Skip the lines and wander through all five levels of Castel Sant’Angelo at your own pace. Don’t miss the many courtyards and the panoramic terrace.
-
Upgrade for a breezy hosted entry and a multilingual audio guide to know the history of this ancient Roman mausoleum-turned-papal fortress!
-
Fun fact: You can get off at stop no. 6 (on all hop-on hop-off routes) to arrive directly outside Castel Sant’Angelo.
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
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In a small group, head to Castel Sant’Angelo by the Tiber River, commissioned as Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum and then used as a papal fortress!
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Learn all about the astronomers and artists imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. Admire the ramparts outside and well-preserved frescoes within.
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At St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, cherish divine art like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pieta sculpture of Jesus and Mary with expert insight.
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From Bernini’s gilded Altar, Tabernacle and Angels to the mysterious Papal Tombs, the world’s largest church holds many architectural surprises.
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Fun fact: The discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City features in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
More details
-
In a small group, head to Castel Sant’Angelo by the Tiber River, commissioned as Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum and then used as a papal fortress!
-
Learn all about the astronomers and artists imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. Admire the ramparts outside and well-preserved frescoes within.
-
At St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, cherish divine art like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pieta sculpture of Jesus and Mary with expert insight.
-
From Bernini’s gilded Altar, Tabernacle and Angels to the mysterious Papal Tombs, the world’s largest church holds many architectural surprises.
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Fun fact: The discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City features in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
5% off
Express Guided Tour of Castel Sant’Angelo
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Avail skip-the-line access to the beautiful Castel Sant'Angelo, and save on time and energy exploring the castle on this guided tour.
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Wander around the castle celebrating and appreciating art such as the beautifully preserved paintings and frescoes at the castle.
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Explore and learn the secrets of this castle, known around the world for serving as a mausoleum, a fortress, a hideaway, and a museum at different points in time of history.
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Fun Fact: The statue of an angel crowning the castle was added as a symbol of the archangel Michael, who was believed to have appeared and ended the plague in Rome.
More details
-
Avail skip-the-line access to the beautiful Castel Sant'Angelo, and save on time and energy exploring the castle on this guided tour.
-
Wander around the castle celebrating and appreciating art such as the beautifully preserved paintings and frescoes at the castle.
-
Explore and learn the secrets of this castle, known around the world for serving as a mausoleum, a fortress, a hideaway, and a museum at different points in time of history.
-
Fun Fact: The statue of an angel crowning the castle was added as a symbol of the archangel Michael, who was believed to have appeared and ended the plague in Rome.
Big Bus: Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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Enjoy sightseeing in the Eternal City in the lap of a feature-packed 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
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Buses arrive every 10 to 20 mins and the Red Route takes you to 11 stops where you can hop on and hop off unlimited times.
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Absorb the city's history on an optional night bus tour and with self-guided walking tours of the Vatican, Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Barberini.
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Have a comfortable ride with free Wi-Fi, route maps, and an audio guide in 7 languages available onboard.
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Popular stops along your HOHO route include Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and more.
More details
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Enjoy sightseeing in the Eternal City in the lap of a feature-packed 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
-
Buses arrive every 10 to 20 mins and the Red Route takes you to 11 stops where you can hop on and hop off unlimited times.
-
Absorb the city's history on an optional night bus tour and with self-guided walking tours of the Vatican, Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Barberini.
-
Have a comfortable ride with free Wi-Fi, route maps, and an audio guide in 7 languages available onboard.
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Popular stops along your HOHO route include Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and more.
Omnia Card and Roma Pass: 72-Hour Pass with 15 Rome Attractions
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Access 15 attractions in Rome with one pass and save up to 55% compared to buying individual tickets.
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Discover top landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and Borghese Gallery, and embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
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Explore the city hassle-free with 72 hours of public transport access, including metro, buses, and trams, for convenient travel across the city.
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Enjoy significant savings with free entry to the first two attractions and discounted rates for the remaining ones, making it a cost-effective choice.
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Maximize your sightseeing with flexible 72-hour validity, allowing you to visit any combination of attractions within the time frame.
More details
-
Access 15 attractions in Rome with one pass and save up to 55% compared to buying individual tickets.
-
Discover top landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and Borghese Gallery, and embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
-
Explore the city hassle-free with 72 hours of public transport access, including metro, buses, and trams, for convenient travel across the city.
-
Enjoy significant savings with free entry to the first two attractions and discounted rates for the remaining ones, making it a cost-effective choice.
-
Maximize your sightseeing with flexible 72-hour validity, allowing you to visit any combination of attractions within the time frame.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Purchase skip-the-line tickets online to avoid hours of long queues at Castel Sant'angelo. These tickets will ensure you don't waste time waiting in line and can explore more of the attraction. Note that all tickets are timed, so arrive promptly to ensure entry.
Get your tickets for the sunset slot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset view of Rome from the terrace. Grab a quick delicious refreshment at the Castel’s restaurant while you’re there.
Opt for audio guides at Castel Sant'angelo if you prefer exploring at your own pace. It provides flexibility in your visit and allows you to delve into the history and significance of the castle.
Leverage the Castel’s proximity to the Vatican Museums. Combine your visit with Saint Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel by purchasing discounted combo tickets. It can save you money and provide a more comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Some areas, like the Historical Prisons, may be unsuitable for children under 12 years, due to worn out historical features and uneven terrain. Plan your visit accordingly if you have young children.
About Castel St. Angelo
Castel Sant'angelo, a historic fortress in Rome, is a testament to the city's rich history and evolution. Previously a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, today it is a museum of archeological wonders, intricate frescoes and precious artifacts. It also offers panoramic city views, connecting to St. Peter's Basilica via the Passetto di Borgo.
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.
The castle offers not one, but three impressive viewpoints. The rooftop terrace with the angel statue showcases the best panoramic view of Rome, while a coffee shop and another viewpoint provide different but equally fascinating perspectives.
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.
In the past, instead of the present sculptures, the bridge leading to the castle displayed the heads of executed individuals, serving as both a warning and a macabre form of decoration.
When initially constructed in 125 AD, Castel Sant'Angelo was the tallest structure in Rome, illustrating the city's far lower skyline during ancient times.
Why visit Castel St. Angelo?
Highlights
Wander through the labyrinth
A labyrinth of numerous courtyards, stately halls, the Castel Sant’Angelo has features 6 levels connected by a 400-meter spiral ramp. The castle has 58 rooms, most of which are now on display to the visitors. The remains of the original mausoleum are visible in the lower parts of the building, as are the ancient Roman walls and reconstructed rooms.
The Papal Apartments
The rooms that served as the Papal residence boast of ceramics, sculptures, and perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period. The Courtyard of the Angel gives you access to the apartments, where the bronze statue of the Archangel Michael, sculpted by Michelangelo apprentice, Raffaelo da Montelupo, stands.
The Terrace
The fifth floor of Castel Sant'Angelo opens to a beautiful viewing terrace. The terrace acted as the setting for the last act of Puccini's opera ‘Tosca’ where the heroine throws herself off the roof after her lover is executed. From here you get a panoramic view of Rome. Snag a table at the rooftop cafe to enjoy a meal with a view.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
Hadrian ordered a bridge that would connect his mausoleum to the city on the other side of the Tiber to be built. Named originally as Pons Aelius, the bridge took on the name Ponte Sant'Angelo. Sculptures of angels, inspired by the designs of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, adorn the bridge. You also get a scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo from here.
Prisons and Dungeons
The prisons and dungeons at Castel Sant'Angelo hold a dark and historical significance. These underground chambers have witnessed various events throughout Rome's history, from imprisonments to clandestine meetings. Visitors can explore these spaces to gain insights into the castle's intriguing and often somber past.
Angel & Statues
Angel statues are prominent features of Castel Sant'Angelo. These sculptures, inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's designs, adorn both the castle and Ponte Sant'Angelo, creating a unique and angelic atmosphere. These angel statues contribute to the castle's association with angels in Roman history and add to its architectural and artistic allure.
Renaissance Frescoes
Renaissance frescoes inside Castel Sant'Angelo showcase the artistic heritage of the Renaissance period in Italy. These exquisite wall paintings and artworks, preserved in the Papal Apartments, offer a glimpse into the cultural and artistic brilliance of the era. They provide a visual journey through the Renaissance's creative and intellectual achievements.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
There is only one entrance to enter the Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Ponte Sant' Angelo, or Aelian Bridge, connects the attraction to the other side of the Tiber. Visitors must cross this bridge to reach the attraction.
How to reach? The castle is about a 10-minute walk from either Piazza Navona on one side or the Vatican on the other. The Via Della Conciliazione leads to Castel Sant'Angelo, if you’re coming from St. Peter's Basilica. The Via Dei Coronari and the Via di Panico are the finest routes to use to reach the Sant'Angelo bridge if you're coming from Piazza Navona.
Last admission: 6:30pm
Closed on: Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
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