Castel Sant Angelo

Rome

Gateway to the Roman Past

1/4
Castel_Sant_Angelo_1

Overview

Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a famous landmark in Rome, Italy. It was built in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family, and was later used as a fortress and a papal residence. The exterior of the building is decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Roman mythology.

Suggested Duration - 2 hours

What To Expect?

Visitors to Castel Sant'Angelo can explore its many rooms and corridors, which include a chapel, a prison, and an art gallery. The top of the building offers panoramic views of Rome and the surrounding countryside.

Tips

  • One of the highlights of Castel Sant'Angelo is the Passetto di Borgo, a secret passage that connects the fortress to the Vatican.
  • Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb stairs, as there is no elevator to the top of the building.

Castel Sant'Angelo Overview

Castel Sant'Angelo is located in Rome, the capital city of Italy. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Rome is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City.

Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a towering cylindrical building initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Over the years, the building has served various purposes, including a fortress, a castle, and a museum.


Known forIts historical significance, its stunning architecture, and its panoramic views of Rome.
TimingsThe castle is open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry FeeThe entry fee is €14 (INR 1,263.68) for adults and €7 (INR 631.84) for EU citizens aged 18-25.
TipsBuy tickets online to avoid queues. The rooftop offers stunning views of Rome, so don't forget your camera.
Required TimeApproximately 2-3 hours are needed to fully explore the castle.
Restricted ItemsLarge bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the castle.

More About Castel Sant'Angelo

The castle houses a museum that showcases its history through various exhibits. The castle also hosts a light and sound show that brings its history to life.


Architecture of Castel Sant'Angelo

The castle's architecture is a blend of Roman and Medieval styles. Its most distinctive feature is the statue of the archangel Michael on the rooftop, which is said to have appeared to Pope Gregory the Great in a vision.


Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Castel Sant'Angelo is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.


How to Reach Castel Sant'Angelo

The castle is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro to Lepanto or Ottaviano station and then walk to the castle.


Tips for Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo

Hire an audio guide to better understand the history and significance of the castle.


Nearby Tourist Spots of Castel Sant'Angelo

Other nearby tourist spots include the Vatican City, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Castel Sant Angelo

How to choose a destination to travel to?

Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :
  • Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities
  • Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them
  • Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there
  • How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

    To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :
  • Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.
  • Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling
  • Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities
  • Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved
  • When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice
  • Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination
  • Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates
  • Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy
  • How to explore a place by yourself?

    "Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -
  • Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant
  • Learn The Public Transportation Routes
  • Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory
  • Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park
  • Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour
  • Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden
  • Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market