Rome · Vatican and Borgo
Castel Sant'Angelo
A round fortress that began as an emperor's tomb, with papal apartments inside and a terrace over the Tiber and St Peter's dome. It pairs well with a Vatican morning.
- 1 h 30
- €18
- Booking advised
- Vatican and Borgo
Data checked on October 4, 2026
Emperor Hadrian had it built as a tomb in the second century, and later popes turned it into a fortress and a refuge. You climb the ramp through the old tomb, pass through decorated papal apartments and reach the terraces at the top. A covered corridor, the Passetto, links the castle to the Vatican.
What to look for
- The spiral ramp of the Roman tomb
- The painted Sala Paolina
- The terraces over the Tiber and St Peter's dome
- The bronze angel on the roof
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am–7:30 pm | last entry 6:30 pm |
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 19:30, with last entry at 18:30. Closed on Mondays, 25 December and 1 January. Some Mondays have a special afternoon opening.
Source: Turismo Roma, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket €18. The standard ticket is 18 euros. The guided visit to the Passetto di Borgo is sold separately, with an added charge.
Tickets can be bought online. Booking ahead avoids the ticket queue in busy months.
Getting there
Lepanto station on Metro Line A is about a 12 minute walk, and the castle faces Ponte Sant'Angelo over the Tiber.
Tip
Go to the terrace in the last hours before closing for the evening light over the river.