TOUR DETAILS :
Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built between 123 and 139 AD as the monumental grave of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and was used as a tomb by the imperial families up until the death of the Emperor Caracalla. Reused as a military outpost by the emperor Aurelian, the building was included into the defensive walls of the city and became from that date onwards a true fortress.
The name Castel Sant’Angelo dates back to the late 6th century because of the legendary miraculous apparition of the Archangel atop the Mausoleum, putting an end to a terrible plague. From the late 14th century the Popes used it as a castle and built beautiful and elegant apartments within.
During this tour you will discover how the Castle changed over the centuries from the mausoleum to the State Treasury and explore a remarkable collection of artworks housed in the fortress museum. You will visit the four corner bastions designated with the names of the Evangelists, climb the helical ramp that goes up through the core of the Roman structure and see the courtyard of the Angel and the Popes’ apartments. At the end of the tour you will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a great view of Rome from the terrace of the Angel.
