Castel Sant'Angelo

About

Built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, then rebuilt in turn as a papal fortress, a prison and a Puccini opera setting, the layers of use are visible in the walls themselves. A secret raised corridor once let popes flee here directly from the Vatican during a siege, and part of it is walkable today. The rooftop terrace, guarded by a bronze angel, gives one of the best skyline views over the river and St Peter's dome without a museum queue.

• Iconic
• Museum
• Rooftop Views
• Papal History

Good to know

• Most visits take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Tickets from €14 per person.
• Open tue to sun 9am to 7:30pm (last entry 6:30pm). closed mondays..
• One of the highest rated historic fortress & museum experiences on the guide, at 4.6.