Castel Sant'Angelo - Rome - Museum In The World

Castel Sant'Angelo, located in Rome, Italy, is a historical monument that you should not miss visiting during your trip. The castle has a rich history, and there is a lot to explore and discover. Let's take a look at what makes this place such a noteworthy destination.

Castel Sant'Angelo is a round structure built over two thousand years ago by Emperor Hadrian. It was initially intended to serve as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family but was later converted to a military fortress by the popes in the 14th century. The castle was initially referred to as Hadrian's tomb, but with the construction of a bridge connecting it to the city, the people renamed it the Castle of the Holy Angel.

The castle played a significant role in the history of Rome. It was the place where Emperor Hadrian's ashes were kept, and various popes used it as their fortress. Castel Sant'Angelo was later used as a prison, and during World War II, it served as a refuge for Pope Pius XII and his staff.

Today, you can take a tour of this historical monument and explore its many rooms and chambers. The castle's interior has been restored and turned into a museum that displays various artifacts and antiques. The tour doesn't just showcase the history of the castle, but also gives you a chance to discover the stunning views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

One of the highlights of the tour is the Papal Apartments, where you can view the various rooms the Popes used, such as the bedroom, the kitchen, and the meeting room. You will also have a chance to view the elaborate decorations and ornaments of the various rooms, including religious murals, tapestries, and paintings.

Another significant attraction at Castel Sant'Angelo is the prison cells, which once housed many criminals and political prisoners. The cells give you a view of the harsh and austere conditions the prisoners had to endure during their incarceration. As you walk through the cells, you can imagine how it must have been for the prisoners in the past.

There are many other sites to explore as you tour the castle, including the weapons collection, where you can view various weapons and armor from the past. You can also take a look at the many sculptures, paintings, and other historical artifacts that are displayed in various parts of the castle.

Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo is easy, and there are various ways to get there, including by foot, bus, or taxi. The castle is open every day except for Monday and can be visited between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm.

History

The castle has a rich history, with many notable events occurring within its walls. As mentioned earlier, the castle was first constructed by Emperor Hadrian in the year 135 AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family. It was later used as a military fortress by the popes in the 14th century. The castle was connected to the city by a bridge known as the Ponte Sant'Angelo, which was lined with various sculptures and statues depicting angels.

Castel Sant'Angelo was also used as a refuge by many popes during times of danger. Pope Clement VII, for instance, used it as a fortress during the sack of Rome in 1527, while Pope Paul III later used it as a residence. The castle was later used as a prison, with one of its most famous prisoners being the Italian writer and nationalist Cesare Battisti.

The castle has experienced several renovations and restorations throughout its history. During the reign of Pope Sixtus IV, a corridor was added to connect it to the Vatican, and during the 1500s, the castle underwent an extensive restoration. During World War II, Castel Sant'Angelo played a significant role as a refuge for Pope Pius XII and his staff.

Address and Contact Information

Castel Sant'Angelo is located on the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome, Italy, and is easily accessible by foot, bus, or taxi. The address for Castel Sant'Angelo is:

Via di Castel Sant'Angelo, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Castel Sant'Angelo directly at +39066821468. The staff is friendly and always willing to assist visitors with any inquiries they may have.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that visitors often have about Castel Sant'Angelo:

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How much does it cost to visit Castel Sant'Angelo?

The cost of admission to Castel Sant'Angelo varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. General admission tickets cost €15, while reduced-price tickets for students and children cost €2. Visitors under the age of eighteen can enter for free.

What are the opening hours of Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo is open every day except for Monday. It is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How do I get to Castel Sant'Angelo?

The castle is easily accessible by foot, bus, or taxi. You can take any bus that stops at Piazza Pia or Piazza Cavour and then walk to the castle. You can also reach Castel Sant'Angelo on foot or by taxi if you prefer.

What can I see at Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo has many attractions to explore, including the Papal Apartments, the prison cells, the weapons collection, and many other historical artifacts and antiques.

How long does it take to visit Castel Sant'Angelo?

The time it takes to tour Castel Sant'Angelo varies depending on how thoroughly you wish to explore the various sites. It can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete the tour.

Overall, Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy is a remarkable destination that should not be missed. The rich history and stunning views of the city make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rome. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Castel Sant'Angelo today!