Known as Hadrian's Mausoleum, Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress located along the right bank of the Tiber, not far from the Vatican. 

Overlooking the Tiber from this iconic mausoleum-turned-museum! Admire the beautiful sculptures of angels on Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the Bridge of Angels!

Discover the historic castle and retrace the history of this ancient fortress ! Admire the paintings, ancient fortified walls and statues, before letting yourself be enchanted by a breathtaking view of the Eternal City from the terrace of the Castle!
Its construction began in 135, by order of Emperor Hadrian, who wanted to use it as a mausoleum for his family. Its construction continued until 139, later becoming a military building, which in 403 was integrated into the Aurelian Wall complex.

In 590, while the plague ravaged the city, Pope Gregory I saw on top of the castle the Archangel Michael, who announced the end of the epidemic. In memory of the apparition of the Archangel, the building is crowned by a statue depicting an angel.
In 1277 a fortified walkway of 800 meters in length was built, which connected the castle with the Vatican City, so that the Pope could flee, in case he was in danger. In the sieges of 1527 Pope Clement VII used the fortress as a refuge.
Castel Sant'Angelo is divided into seven floors, which are accessed by means of a spiral ramp, which leads to the room with ashes and to the cells,  where various famous people were imprisoned.

Advancing towards the upper part of the castle, you can visit the papal rooms , decorated with perfectly preserved Renaissance frescoes, as well as the large collections of weapons.

End your visit upstairs with a large terrace, from where you can take great photographs of the city from above!