Exploring the rich history of Rome is a captivating experience, and a walking tour through Castel Sant’Angelo is a must-do activity. This impressive structure, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, has witnessed centuries of intrigue and power. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can uncover the castle’s transformation into a papal fortress, marvel at Bernini’s stunning sculptures, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Terrace of the Angel. What secrets and tales await as you delve deeper into this iconic landmark?

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Key Points

Explore Castel Sant’Angelo’s history as a mausoleum, papal fortress, and prison through a guided walking tour in Rome.
Experience skip-the-line access and a 2-hour visit to the castle, including its Renaissance rooms and panoramic views.
Discover the castle’s connection to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo during the tour.
Learn about the castle’s dark history of torture and execution practices over the centuries.
Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour along Via dei Coronari and Ponte Sant’Angelo, with an English-speaking guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This walking tour through Castel Sant’Angelo offers savings of up to 30%, with prices ranging from $217.07 to $151.95 per person.

The 3-hour tour includes a guided itinerary through Via dei Coronari, Ponte Sant’Angelo, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Highlights feature the historic street for pilgrims, Bernini’s angel sculptures, and the mausoleum-turned-fortress.

Visitors can explore Renaissance rooms and enjoy panoramic views from the Terrace of the Angel.

The tour provides skip-the-line access and an English-speaking guide.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a 30-minute stroll along Via dei Coronari, a historic street once traveled by pilgrims.

Next, you’ll spend 30 minutes exploring the Ponte Sant’Angelo, admiring Bernini’s famous angel sculptures.

The main highlight is a 2-hour visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress with an interesting transformation from mausoleum to papal stronghold.

A captivating 2-hour exploration of Castel Sant’Angelo’s remarkable metamorphosis from mausoleum to papal stronghold.

Here, you’ll learn about its history, including its connection to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo.

The tour culminates with panoramic views from the Terrace of the Angel, offering a stunning perspective of the Vatican.

Castel Sant’Angelo History

Built by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD, Castel Sant’Angelo began as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor.

Over the centuries, it transformed into a papal fortress and prison. The castle’s history includes dark chapters of torture and execution practices. It was even linked to the Vatican Palaces via the Passetto di Borgo, a secret elevated corridor.

Today, visitors can explore the Renaissance rooms adorned with intricate frescoes and admire views of the Vatican from the Terrace of the Angel.

Castel Sant’Angelo has evolved from a mausoleum to a fortress, witnessing centuries of Roman and papal history.

Tour Experience

Although the tour is a private group experience, the live English-speaking guide leads visitors through the entire itinerary.

They’ll skip the lines and access the castle, mausoleum, fortress, and prison via express security.

Explore the Renaissance rooms with intricate frescoes and admire the views from the Terrace of the Angel.

The tour includes entrance fees, so guests can fully enjoy the history of this iconic Roman landmark.

However, the experience isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and leave any weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, or drugs at home.

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Important Information

Visitors will find the meeting point for this tour at Piazza dei Coronari.

They’ll need to wear comfortable shoes to explore the historic sites.

Unfortunately, people with mobility issues or in wheelchairs can’t join this tour.

Bringing weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, or drugs isn’t allowed.

The tour guide will lead the private group through the express security check to skip the lines at Castel Sant’Angelo.

Once inside, participants can admire the Renaissance rooms, mausoleum, fortress, and prison, as well as the stunning views from the Terrace of the Angel.

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Exploring via Dei Coronari

As the tour begins, participants stroll along the historic Via dei Coronari, a street once frequented by pilgrims.

This 30-minute segment showcases:

Charming Renaissance-era architecture and antique shops
Cobblestone streets and quaint alleyways
Glimpses of the Tiber River and Castel Sant’Angelo in the distance
Opportunities to admire Italian craftsmanship and local culture
Stories of the street’s historical significance as a pilgrimage route

Exploring Via dei Coronari provides a captivating prelude to the main highlight of the tour – the iconic Castel Sant’Angelo.

Discovering Ponte Sant’Angelo’s Bernini Sculptures

After strolling along the charming Via dei Coronari, the tour heads towards the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo. This historic bridge, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, is adorned with 10 magnificent Bernini angels. Each angel holds a different symbolic relic related to Christ’s Passion.

| Angel Sculpture | Symbolic Relic |

| — | — |

| Angel with the Crown of Thorns | Crown of Thorns |

| Angel with the Superscription | Titulus Crucis |

| Angel with the Nails | Nails |

| Angel with the Scourge and Whips | Scourge and Whips |

Clients marvel at Bernini’s exquisite craftsmanship as the guide shares insights into the bridge’s history and symbolism.

Unveiling the Secrets of Castel Sant’Angelo

Crossing the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo, the tour now leads visitors to the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo.

Once a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this historic landmark has transformed over the centuries into a papal fortress and prison.

Uncover its fascinating secrets:

Explore the Renaissance rooms adorned with intricate frescoes
Discover the Passetto di Borgo, a secret elevated passage connecting the castle to the Vatican
Learn about the castle’s history of torture and execution practices
Admire the panoramic views of the Vatican from the Terrace of the Angel
Marvel at the castle’s architectural evolution from mausoleum to fortified stronghold.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history of Rome on this walking tour through Castel Sant’Angelo. Explore the iconic fortress, marvel at Bernini’s sculptures, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Terrace of the Angel. With an expert guide, uncover tales of intrigue and power that have shaped this remarkable landmark over the centuries.

You can check availability for your dates here: