Last Updated on January 16, 2024
One of the most impressive buildings in Rome that always remains imprinted in the memory of tourists is Castel Sant’Angelo, which is mistakenly called “Castle of the Angels“, the correct translation is “Castle of the Holy Angel”.
The number of visitors has increased dramatically since the monument was used in the movie Angels and Demons. But this huge castle on the right bank of the Tiber, a step away from the Vatican, has also been used in the video game Assassin’s Creed.
Construction of the monument began during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD and was completed by Antoninus in 139. In addition to being a mausoleum, a tomb monument for Hadrian and his wife Sabina, Castel Sant’Angelo houses the remains of several Roman emperors, including Marcus Aurelius and Caracalla. Remarkably, there is a secret passage that connects it to the Vatican. The Passetto di Borgo passage is not open to the public, but it is known to have been used as an escape route by some popes during difficult moments.
The castle was used as a fortress, and a prison, and in 1925 it ended up being a museum with rooms full of painting collections and artworks. I can say that the interior of the castle doesn’t have anything special, but the view is amazing and often concerts are organized.
The bridge in front of the castle is very beautiful and the statues on the left and right make it even more perfect for photos!
CASTEL SANT’ANGELO OPENING HOURS
Castel Sant’Angelo’s opening hours in Rome are subject to change depending on the season. Typically, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 7:30pm, with the ticket office closing at 6:30pm. However, it remains closed on Mondays, December 25th, and January 1st. It is advisable to confirm the opening hours prior to your visit.
The nearest Metro station, Lepanto (Line A), is approximately a 15-minute walk away from Castel Sant’Angelo.
CASTEL SANT’ANGELO TICKETS AND FREE ENTRY
*** It is highly recommended to purchase The Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets online days in advance and skip the line ***
Ticket prices are:
- 13,00 €: adult ticket
- 3,00 €: reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years old
- FREEfor children up to 18 years old
You can buy tickets for the Castel Sant’ Angelo online by visiting the official website for an additional cost of 1€, or you can buy the Priority skip-the-line tickets with Paypal or debit card from here. They are slightly more expensive because they offer “skip-the-line” and the ability to cancel.
Finally, the Castel Sant’Angelo, like other monuments, offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. After your visit, you can head towards the Vatican, which is less than 10 minutes away.
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