Castel Sant'Angelo - Castle of the Holy Angel

Castel Sant'Angelo - Information on Admission Prices, Opening Hours, Wait Times, and More Tips

The Castel Sant'Angelo, or "Castle of the Holy Angel" in Italian, is a formidable fortress that majestically rises along the banks of the Tiber in Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family, the Castel Sant'Angelo has undergone many transformations over the centuries and has served as a military fortress, papal residence, prison, and now a museum.

Its distinctive profile, crowned by the statue of the Archangel Michael, is a striking landmark in the Roman cityscape. According to legend, the Archangel Michael appeared atop the castle in 590 AD and proclaimed the end of the great plague, giving the castle its present name.

Entering Castel Sant'Angelo is stepping into the footsteps of history. Within its thick stone walls, you will find magnificent rooms adorned with Renaissance frescoes, secret passages once used by popes in times of danger, and an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

One of the highlights of a visit to Castel Sant'Angelo is undoubtedly the ascent to the terrace, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of Rome. Here, under the protective gaze of the angel, you can see the Eternal City in all its glory.

Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo is a journey through Rome's history and a highlight of any trip to Rome. Its impressive architecture, the fascinating stories it holds, and the invaluable artworks it houses make Castel Sant'Angelo an unforgettable experience.

How do I get to Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo is located right on the banks of the Tiber, close to the Vatican in the center of Rome. For example, those who have visited the Vatican can walk to Castel Sant'Angelo in a short time to visit it. Even from the other side of the Tiber (Piazza Navona, Pantheon), it is only a few minutes' walk to Castel Sant'Angelo. Since there is no nearby metro station, the easiest ways to reach Castel Sant'Angelo are on foot or by bus.

What is the admission cost to Castel Sant'Angelo?

Adult visitors to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome pay an admission price of 17.00 Euros on site. Young EU citizens aged 18 to 25 can purchase a discounted ticket for as low as 3.00 Euros and visit Castel Sant'Angelo economically. People with disabilities and all those under 18 years of age generally have free entry. It is important to note that due to the building's design and topography, it is only limitedly possible for wheelchair users to fully explore Castel Sant'Angelo.

Where can I buy tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome?

Tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo (Engelsburg) can be purchased directly at the site from the ticket counters. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased online – which is our recommendation for you. This can save you from potentially long wait times at the ticket counters. Tickets are slightly more expensive than at the site but include additional highlights (audioguide) and save you a lot of time.

Online tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo may also include free entry to the "National Museum Palazzo Venezia."

History of Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo has a fascinating and multilayered history that spans over 2000 years. It was originally built between 134 and 139 AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family and was known as "Hadrian's Mausoleum." This imposing cylindrical structure was constructed from marble and travertine and was originally crowned with a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, supposedly driven by Hadrian himself.

In the 5th century, the mausoleum was converted into a military fortress when Rome was besieged by barbarian tribes. It became part of the Aurelian Walls that surrounded the city and served as a crucial defensive structure over the following centuries.

In the 6th century, Castel Sant'Angelo received its current name. According to legend, Pope Gregory the Great, during a procession in 590 praying for the end of the great plague, saw a vision of the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword, a sign that their prayers had been heard. In honor of this vision, a statue of the angel was erected on top of the castle, and it became known as "Castel Sant'Angelo" or Castle of the Holy Angel.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Castel Sant'Angelo was used by the popes as a residence. They constructed a secret passage, the Passetto di Borgo, which connected Castel Sant'Angelo with the Vatican and served as an escape route in times of danger. The popes also added luxurious apartments and chapels and commissioned leading artists of their time, including Raphael and his students, to decorate the interiors.

In the 20th century, Castel Sant'Angelo was transformed into a museum that today houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from its long and eventful history.