Castel Sant Angelo

A labyrinth of numerous courtyards, stately halls, the Castel Sant’Angelo has features 6 levels connected by a 400-meter spiral ramp. The castle has 58 rooms, most of which are now on display to the visitors. The remains of the original mausoleum are visible in the lower parts of the building, as are the ancient Roman walls and reconstructed rooms.

The rooms that served as the Papal residence boast of ceramics, sculptures, and perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period. The Courtyard of the Angel gives you access to the apartments, where the bronze statue of the Archangel Michael, sculpted by Michelangelo apprentice, Raffaelo da Montelupo, stands.

The fifth floor of Castel Sant'Angelo opens to a beautiful viewing terrace. The terrace acted as the setting for the last act of Puccini's opera ‘Tosca’ where the heroine throws herself off the roof after her lover is executed. From here you get a panoramic view of Rome. Snag a table at the rooftop cafe to enjoy a meal with a view. 

Hadrian ordered a bridge that would connect his mausoleum to the city on the other side of the Tiber to be built. Named originally as Pons Aelius, the bridge took on the name Ponte Sant'Angelo. Sculptures of angels, inspired by the designs of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, adorn the bridge. You also get a scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo from here.

The prisons and dungeons at Castel Sant'Angelo hold a dark and historical significance. These underground chambers have witnessed various events throughout Rome's history, from imprisonments to clandestine meetings. Visitors can explore these spaces to gain insights into the castle's intriguing and often somber past.

Angel statues are prominent features of Castel Sant'Angelo. These sculptures, inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's designs, adorn both the castle and Ponte Sant'Angelo, creating a unique and angelic atmosphere. These angel statues contribute to the castle's association with angels in Roman history and add to its architectural and artistic allure.

Renaissance frescoes inside Castel Sant'Angelo showcase the artistic heritage of the Renaissance period in Italy. These exquisite wall paintings and artworks, preserved in the Papal Apartments, offer a glimpse into the cultural and artistic brilliance of the era. They provide a visual journey through the Renaissance's creative and intellectual achievements.