Castel Sant’Angelo

Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Originally constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the middle of the 2nd century, the striking circular monument has had many functions over the centuries. Climb to the top and be rewarded with a breathtaking view over Rome. See if you can spot some of the Eternal City’s most famous monuments from this birds-eye viewpoint.

More Recommendations

Cooling Off with a View from a Historic Landmark

Castel Sant’Angelo started out as a mausoleum in the 2nd century, was then used as a papal fortress and a prison, and currently functions as a museum. Spiraling corridors, frescoes, and even paintings by greats like Van Gogh and Renoir all await you inside. On the top stands the signature angel (in honor of archangel Michael, who supposedly stood on the fortress and put a stop to Rome‘s plague), which gives it its name. As you make your way to it, stop for a gelato. There’s no better way to conquer the Roman heat than by eating some lemon-flavored heaven and feeling the breeze while you appraise the Eternal City from a place where you yourself feel eternal under the gaze of the angel.

Castel Sant'Angelo: Prison..passage to the pope...

Located on the right bank of the Tiber river this former prison and direct passage to Saint Peter’s Basilica is now a beautiful museum with great views of the Vatican. Whether you explore above ground or below it is a must see while visiting Rome.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR