Tour details

Visit Castel Sant’Angelo and discover its treasures on this private tour with skip-the-line ticket. Standing by the river, across the Angels’ bridge (decorated by Bernini in the XVII Century), this building is a unique example of the several changes Rome went through.

You will learn the fascinating story of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, you had Castel Sant’Angelo erected as a mausoleum for himself and his family in 138 A.D., and find out how the original building was included into the defensive wall built by Aurelian in the III Century A.D. and soon turned into a fortress.

You will literally time travel through the different stages of Rome’s history, starting your visit with the oldest part of the site, where the ashes of the Emperor Hadrian were placed, then exploring the dungeons of the Castle, used as a prison in the Middle Ages, and walking from one watchtower to the other, on top of the ramparts that still surround the building.

During the private tour of Castel Sant’Angelo, you will get insightful explanations by your knowledgable guide, and be able to ask any questions. Set your own pace, and choose whether to indulge longer in a specific room or to take a break at the cafe.

This private tour of Castel Sant’Angelo then takes you to the area renovated during the Renaissance, when the Popes converted the structure into a fortified residence, and had it connected to the Vatican via an escape way still visible today. The papal apartments were beautifully decorated and stuccoed by some great artists of that time, such as Perin del Vaga, Cavalier d’Arpino, Dosso Dossi, Lorenzo Lotto, Pellegrino Tibaldi.

After that, you will reach the terrace on top of Castel Sant’Angelo, where the statue of the archangel Michael stands, to enjoy a wonderful view of Rome’s centre, before heading back to the exit way through the several balconies and ramps, and have a further look at the remains of the Roman statues housed in the site.

Starting times depend on ticket availability. Price is per group + tickets. Our cancellation policy is 48 hours for a full refund. Please note that entry tickets are not refundable.