Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a historic fortress located in Rome, Italy. Initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family, it later served as a fortress and castle for the popes. Today, it is a museum and a significant tourist attraction.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Learn About Its History
Why it’s a must: Castel Sant'Angelo has had many lives—first as a mausoleum, then as a military fortress, a refuge for popes, and even a notorious prison. Walking through its halls, you can learn about its transformation over the centuries.
Tip: At the entrance, grab an audio guide or download an app for a self-guided tour. This will give you deeper insights into the castle’s history and the various architectural changes made during its different phases.
2. Admire the Statue of the Archangel Michael
Why it’s a must: Perched atop the castle is a large statue of Archangel Michael, which is both symbolic and historic. According to legend, Archangel Michael appeared above the castle in 590 AD to signal the end of a plague that was devastating Rome. This event gave the castle its current name.
Tip: The statue you see today is a 17th-century bronze sculpture by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt. It’s visible from many parts of the city, but seeing it up close from the castle’s terrace is a must.
3. Walk the Ponte Sant'Angelo
Why it’s a must: The Ponte Sant'Angelo is the beautiful bridge that leads to the castle, originally built by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD to connect his mausoleum to the city. The bridge is adorned with ten stunning angel statues, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, each holding instruments of the Passion of Christ.
Tip: The Tiber River views from the bridge are spectacular, and it’s a great spot for photos with the castle in the background. Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
4. Explore the Papal Apartments
Why it’s a must: In the 15th century, the castle became a papal fortress, and the Papal Apartments were built to provide refuge for popes during times of danger. The rooms are ornately decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and Renaissance art, showcasing the wealth and power of the papacy.
Tip: Look for the Sala Paolina, named after Pope Paul III, which features stunning frescoes by Perin del Vaga, a pupil of Raphael.
5. Climb to the Terrace for Panoramic Views
Why it’s a must: The terrace at the top of the castle offers one of the best panoramic views in Rome. From here, you can see the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, the Tiber River, and the sprawling cityscape of Rome.
Tip: The terrace is also home to a café, making it a perfect spot to relax with a coffee or snack while enjoying the breathtaking view. Visit just before sunset for the most magical experience.
6. Visit the Museum and Artifacts
Why it’s a must: Today, Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum that houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, including weapons, armor, and paintings. The exhibits cover the castle’s role in military history, its use as a papal residence, and its transformation into a prison.
Tip: Don’t miss the Hall of Urns, where the ashes of Emperor Hadrian and other Roman emperors were originally interred.
7. Walk the Passetto di Borgo
Why it’s a must: The Passetto di Borgo is a secret elevated passageway that connects Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican, built in the 13th century. This passage allowed popes to flee from the Vatican to the safety of the fortress during times of attack or political unrest.
Tip: While the Passetto is not always open to the public, guided tours occasionally offer access. Check ahead of time if you’re interested in walking this historic route.
8. Explore the Dungeons and Prison Cells
Why it’s a must: Castel Sant'Angelo has a dark history as a notorious prison, where many famous figures were held, including Benvenuto Cellini, the renowned Renaissance artist, and Cagliostro, an infamous alchemist. The dungeons and prison cells give you a glimpse into this grim period of the castle’s history.
Tip: The prison cells are located in the lower levels of the castle and are quite atmospheric—perfect for those interested in the castle’s darker side. Some of the cells even have graffiti left by prisoners.
9. Admire the Renaissance Frescoes
Why it’s a must: Many of the rooms in Castel Sant'Angelo are adorned with beautiful Renaissance frescoes, especially in the papal apartments. These frescoes depict biblical scenes, mythological figures, and important historical events, showcasing the artistry of the time.
Tip: Pay close attention to the Sala di Apollo and the Sala di Amore e Psiche, which are among the most beautifully decorated rooms in the entire castle.
10. Learn About the Castle’s Role in Rome’s Defense
Why it’s a must: Castel Sant'Angelo was an essential part of Rome’s defense system, especially during the Sack of Rome in 1527, when Pope Clement VII used the fortress as a refuge. The castle’s battlements and defensive walls are fascinating to explore, offering insight into its strategic importance.
Tip: Wander along the ramparts for a closer look at the cannons and arrow slits used during its military history. These areas also offer great views over the city and river.
Information: https://www.rome.net/castel-sant-angelo
Main Positive Reviews:
Many visitors rave about the panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican from the top of the castle.
The site's rich history and well-preserved artifacts are often highlighted as a major draw.
The unique circular design and robust structure are frequently praised for their architectural brilliance.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of exhibits, including medieval weapons, Renaissance art, and ancient Roman relics.
The castle's location near major attractions like the Vatican and the Tiber River is considered very convenient.
At the highest point, you can see the beautiful cityscape.
A special place with a lot of history, events, life... One of the places worth visiting.
The waiting time is not long, about 10 minutes. Highly recommended. It is more interesting than the Colosseum.
There are places to eat inside where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Rome.
Someone said: I prefer visiting at night. This area, attracting the most tourists in Rome, is beautifully illuminated with yellow tones, highlighting its circular structure.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some visitors find the site to be overly crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A few reviewers feel that the entrance fee is somewhat high compared to other attractions in Rome.
Some areas of the castle are reported to be in need of better maintenance and restoration.
A number of visitors mention that the informational signage within the castle could be improved for better understanding.
The bridge is under construction, making it difficult to appreciate the castle.
Someone said: We did not visit the inside, and the outside was also difficult to access, hence my low rating.
Although the history of this place is interesting, the exhibits did not meet expectations.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Entrance Fee: €16 for adults, €2
for those under 18 and seniors over 65.
Additional Costs: Guided tours and audio guides are available at an extra cost.
Castel Sant'Angelo scores highly on both Google and TripAdvisor, reflecting its popularity and the positive experiences of the majority of visitors. The castle's historical importance, combined with its architectural beauty and stunning views, make it a worthwhile destination for tourists in Rome. While there are some concerns about crowding and pricing, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Given the high ratings and the overwhelmingly positive reviews, Castel Sant'Angelo is definitely worth visiting. The combination of historical depth, cultural exhibits, and scenic views offers a rich and fulfilling experience for tourists.
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