From Emperor Hadrian's tomb to a papal fortress, prison, and Renaissance residence. Climb to the top for the most spectacular 360° view of Rome.
Buy TicketsCastel Sant'Angelo is one of Rome's most iconic monuments, a layered fortress that has served as an imperial mausoleum, a papal residence, a state prison, and now a national museum. Visitors walk through nearly two millennia of history, from the ancient Roman spiral ramp to the lavish Renaissance apartments of the popes. The visit culminates on the Terrace of the Angel, offering an unrivalled panoramic view over the Tiber, St. Peter's Basilica, and the entire city. For planning, see our visitors guide and check the latest opening hours.
Explore our free & reduced tickets page for a full list of concessions.
The best way to experience Castel Sant'Angelo
Book a timed-entry ticket and walk past the long queues that form daily, especially in high season. More time for history, less time waiting.
Change of plans? Cancel up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund. Book with confidence, no questions asked.
Receive your tickets instantly via email. Simply show the QR code on your phone at the entrance—no printing required.
Enhance your experience by adding an audio guide or joining one of our expert-led guided tours to uncover the secrets of the castle.
Connecting Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican Palaces is the Passetto di Borgo, an 800-meter-long elevated and fortified corridor. This was no mere walkway; it was a secret escape route for popes in times of peril. Its most famous use came in 1527 during the Sack of Rome, when Pope Clement VII fled across it to the safety of the fortress as the troops of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V rampaged through the city.
While the Passetto is not typically open to the general public, its imposing structure is clearly visible from the outside and serves as a powerful reminder of the castle's crucial role in papal history. It embodies the turbulent politics of Renaissance Rome, where the head of the church required a military stronghold just steps from his spiritual seat. Special guided tours occasionally grant access to this historic passageway, offering a unique glimpse into the Vatican's dramatic past.
Book your visit in three simple steps
Choose your desired date and time slot. Select the number of adult, reduced, and free tickets for your group.
Complete the secure payment process and receive your tickets instantly by email. No need to print them.
On the day of your visit, go directly to the entrance, show the QR code on your phone, and walk right in, bypassing the ticket queue.
Everything you need to know for your visit