Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets

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Castel Sant’Angelo FAQs

• What is Castel Sant’Angelo?
• Castel Sant'Angelo is a historic fortress in Rome that was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and then later transformed into a military fortress, papal residence, and museum! It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
• Where is Castel Sant’Angelo?
• Castel Sant’Angelo is near Vatican City on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome.
• Who built Castel Sant’Angelo?
• Castel Sant’Angelo was commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family.
• Why is it called Castel Sant’Angelo?
• The name Castel Sant’Angelo comes from a legend that the Archangel Michael appeared at the top of the structure in 590 AD to end a plague in Rome.
• What is the Passetto di Borgo at Castel Sant’Angelo?
• It’s a secret passageway that connects Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican and it was used by popes to escape in times of danger!
• What are the main features of Castel Sant’Angelo?
• Some of the key features include the angel statue on top, the Renaissance frescoes, and the Papal apartments.
• What artefacts are displayed in Castel Sant’Angelo?
• It houses military weapons, Renaissance art, and artefacts from its time as a papal residence.
• Is Castel Sant’Angelo part of the Vatican?
  While it’s closely linked to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo, it is not technically part of Vatican City.

Castel Sant’Angelo Fun Facts

• Multiple Uses: Castel Sant'Angelo has been repurposed multiple times. Originally it was built as a mausoleum and then it was used as a fortress, prison, papal residence, and is now a museum!
• Angel Statue: The famous angel statue that sits at the top of the building has been replaced multiple times for various reasons. The current one, made by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, was installed in 1753!
• Clever Defence: The castle’s defensive structure includes a spiral ramp that runs through the core, making it easier to move soldiers and supplies.
• Escape Route: During the sack of Rome in 1527, Pope Clement VII used the Passetto di Borgo to escape to Castel Sant’Angelo!
• Design: The building’s shape was inspired by ancient Etruscan tombs, with a cylindrical design and central rotunda.
• Melted for Money: The original bronze statue of Emperor Hadrian that once stood proudly at the mausoleum was likely melted down during mediaeval times!
• Treasury: The castle once served as the treasury of the Vatican, safeguarding precious artefacts and documents.
• Cannons: During its time as a fortress, Castel Sant’Angelo was equipped with artillery and cannon placements to defend against invaders.
• Legend Has It: A famous legend says that the Archangel Michael appeared during a plague, sheathing his sword as a sign that the epidemic was over.
• ‍Bridge Name: The name of the bridge leading to the castle, Ponte Sant’Angelo, comes from its statues of angels, each of which is holding instruments of Christ's Passion.