Castel Sant'Angelo guided tour and Passetto hidden passage

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover the fascinating history of Castel Sant'Angelo with a licensed guide as you explore one of Rome’s most iconic monuments. Learn how Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum was transformed into a mighty fortress, a luxurious papal residence, a prison, and a place of refuge throughout the centuries. Hear captivating stories of emperors, popes, and legendary escapes, uncover the secrets of the famous passage connecting the castle to the Vatican, and end your visit by admiring breathtaking sunset views over Rome from the spectacular panoramic terrace.

What's Included

Guided tour
Entrance tickets
Headsets to hear better the guide

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Piazza della Città Leonina

The guide will wait for you on the square with a "Rome with Silvia" flag.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Ticket Redemption Point

Piazza della Città Leonina

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Castel Sant'Angelo

    Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a military fortress, papal residence, and prison over the centuries. Join an expert guide to explore its fascinating history as you walk through secret passageways, historic halls, elegant papal apartments, and hidden chambers. Discover stories of emperors, popes, prisoners, conspiracies, and daring escapes that shaped Rome’s past. Admire Renaissance frescoes, ancient weapons, and impressive defensive structures, and learn about the famous Passetto di Borgo, the secret corridor that allowed popes to escape from the Vatican in times of danger. Finish your visit on the spectacular panoramic terrace, where breathtaking views of Rome’s skyline, the Tiber River, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Eternal City provide the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey through history.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Passetto di Borgo

    Step inside one of Rome’s best-kept secrets with a guided tour of the Passetto di Borgo, the historic elevated passage connecting the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Built in the 13th century as a secure escape route for the popes, this extraordinary corridor played a crucial role during some of the city’s most dramatic events, including the Sack of Rome in 1527. Accompanied by an expert guide, discover the fascinating history, legends, and hidden stories behind this exclusive monument while enjoying a unique perspective on Vatican City and Rome’s medieval past. Learn how popes used the passage in times of danger and explore one of the Eternal City’s most iconic hidden landmarks. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors, this guided Passetto di Borgo tour offers an unforgettable journey through centuries of papal history and Renaissance Rome.

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Rome with Silvia

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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