Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a towering cylindrical fortress situated along the Tiber River in Rome. Originally constructed in 123 AD by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family, it later evolved int... read moreo a fortress, papal residence, prison, and museum. Its robust architecture and strategic location made it a vital defensive structure through Rome’s tumultuous history.

Throughout the centuries, the structure was adapted to serve different functions. In the fifth century, it was integrated into Rome’s city walls as a military fortress. By the fourteenth century, it became a refuge for popes, with Pope Nicholas III commissioning the Passetto di Borgo, a secret corridor linking the castle to the Vatican. Castel Sant’Angelo also served as a prison, housing notable detainees like Giordano Bruno and Benvenuto Cellini. In modern times, it functions as a museum, displaying Renaissance frescoes, historic weaponry, and lavish papal apartments.

Visitors can explore the castle’s interior chambers, climb to the upper terrace for sweeping views of Rome and the Vatican, and admire the bronze statue of Archangel Michael at the top. The site is open daily from morning until early evening, with last entry an hour before closing. Tickets are available on-site and online, with options for guided or combined tours. Due to its ancient construction, some parts of the fortress may pose accessibility challenges for those with limited mobility.