Castel Sant'Angelo

A tomb, a fortress, a prison, and one of Rome’s best views

On the banks of the Tiber, Castel Sant'Angelo rises solid and imposing. This striking structure was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in 139 CE, and has spent the centuries since reinventing itself: fortress, papal refuge, prison, and now museum.

Crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself flanked by angels, each one holding an instrument of the Passion. The imposing castle itself looms ahead – circular and sturdy, an ancient Roman core wrapped in Renaissance fortifications.

Inside, spiral ramps lead you upwards through years of history. Trace frescoes in papal apartments. Glimpse the past via bare prison cells, prayers carved into the walls. Peer into the passetto, a secret corridor that runs directly to the Vatican

Reach the terrace at the top and the city sprawls beneath you. Let your eyes wander from St Peter's impressive dome, along the Tiber’s weaving path, to rooftops that fade into the hills beyond.