Rome: Tour Castel Sant'Angelo and the Corridor of the Popes

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

A visit to Castel Sant’Angelo (Hadrian’s Mausoleum) is a true experience spanning the centuries, allowing you to better understand the development of the city of Rome from the imperial era to the present day. The monument was built by Emperor Hadrian and, over time, became first a fortress and then a residence for the Popes. It is considered a symbol of Rome’s imperial power and papal authority. During the tour, we will witness the building’s transformation from a monumental tomb to a fortress and residence. We will hear and see the secret places and numerous stories surrounding the building, which was connected to the papal palaces by a secret corridor called the “Passetto di Borgo,” an escape route to ensure the Pope’s safety. After visiting the Castle, we will cross Borgo Pio and, walking along the Vatican Walls, reach St. Peter’s Square to visit Bernini’s famous Colonnade, an imposing elliptical structure that surrounds the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

What's Included

Visit The Passetto
Visit Bernini’s Colonnade
Visit Borgo Pio
Entrance tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo
3 hour tour with professional guide
Tips

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of the entrance, the guide is waiting with a sign

End point

Tour end

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    The visit of Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum) is a truly experience through the centuries to better understand the development of the city of Rome from the imperial time to the present time. The monument was built of the Emperor Hadrian and with the time became at first a fortress and later on a residence for the Popes. It is considered a symbol of Rome’s imperial power and Pope’s power. During the visit we can see the transformation of the building from monumental tomb to a fortress and a residence. We are going to hear and see the secret places and the several stories related to the building that was connected to the Pope’s palaces through a secret corridor called ‘’Passetto di Borgo’’, an escape route to guarantee the safety of the Pope. After visiting the Castle, cross Borgo Pio and along the Vatican Walls we will reach the place where in a relaxing atmosphere you can sip a good glass of Italian wine and taste typical Roman cuisine, not to be missed when visiting Rome!

    2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Rome used to call it, is also known as Passetto di Borgo, or Passetto. It corresponds to that raised and fortified section of the Vatican Walls that from the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, starting from behind the colonnade by Bernini runs along via dei Corridori and via Borgo Sant'Angelo and ends in Castel Sant'Angelo.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    St. Peter's Square

    The colonnade comprises 284 Doric columns, each sixteen meters high. The columns are arranged in four rows to create three lanes. The central lane is accessible to vehicles, while the two lateral lanes are accessible only on foot.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Provide the correct phone number with international country code
  • One day before please call to confirm the time at the meeting point
Supplied by Welcome Italy

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
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Cancellation Policy

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

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