As a part of a small group led by an Expert Guide, you can skip the long lines to the Castel Sant`Angelo and start a 2-hour guided tour!
Begin the adventure from the famous Castle, founded by the Emperor Hadrian that was transformed into his monumental tomb. The historical building was used by the Popes as a private residence, a treasure of the State, a prison and a place of public executions throughout the years. In just 2 hours, you will get a chance to discover the rich history of the Castle and its magnificent architectures and paintings. [readmore] The guide will show you the place of burial of the late Emperor, the Pope's apartments and the treasure room.
Admire the beautiful sculptures of the Angels along the so-called, Ponte Sant`Angelo, also known as the Bridge of Angels. End your incredible experience with a panoramic view from the Castle' terrace where you can take pictures of the splendid city.
Lee masIMPORTANT: please be at the meeting point 15 minutes in advance (late arrival or no-show can not be refunded)
Castel Sant`Angelo, situated on the right bank of the Tiber river, has had a turbulent history, even by Rome`s standards. During its many years of existence, the building functioned first as a mausoleum, then became part of the city wall and later was turned into a fortress before it functioned as a papal residence and finally as a barracks and military prison. It is currently a national museum.
Castel Sant`Angelo, situated on the right bank of the Tiber river, has had a turbulent history. In this fortress, the papal apartments feature beautiful rooms decorated with many frescoes. Below the apartments are several floors which include prisons and even a torture chamber. A spiraling corridor, part of the original mausoleum, leads to the lower levels of the building.
At the top of the fortress, overlooking the panoramic terrace stands a statue of an angel, built by the sculptor Pieter Verschaffelt. The statue depicts the archangel Michael who, according to legend, appeared on top of the fortress in the year 590 and miraculously ended the severe plague that had infested the city of Rome. After the purported event, the building was renamed Castel Sant`Angelo - literally translated `Saint Angel Castle - in honor of the archangel.