Castel Sant’Angelo schedules to plan your visit
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum, is one of Rome’s most iconic and fascinating monuments. This imposing building has a history spanning over two thousand years, and has become a symbol of the eternal city. In this article, we will explore the entrance hours to the castle, what to see inside this magnificent historic place, and who has stayed there over the centuries.
Castel Sant’Angelo schedules
Before embarking on a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, it is important to know the opening hours and ticket costs to best plan your experience. Admission hours may vary depending on the season and special events, but in general, the castle is open to the public every day except Mondays. Visitors can usually access the castle from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., although times may vary slightly.
As for ticket costs, you can buy tickets directly at the castle entrance or online through the monument’s official website. Prices vary according to age and nationality, but are generally quite affordable. In addition, there are often discounts for students, seniors and groups.
What to see in Castel Sant’Angelo
Once inside Castel Sant’Angelo, visitors will be fascinated by the rich history and works of art inside. Here are some of the main attractions not to be missed:
- Hadrian’s Mausoleum: Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian in the second century AD. The building still retains many features of the ancient mausoleum, including the grandiose circular structure.
- The Halls and Prisons: Inside the castle, visitors can explore a series of rooms that were formerly used for different purposes, including prisons and papal residence. Some of the most famous halls include the Pauline Hall, the Hall of Trophies and the Hall of Emperors.
- The Panoramic Terrace: One of the most extraordinary experiences of Castel Sant’Angelo is the panoramic view from its terrace. From the top of the castle, there is a spectacular view of Rome, including the Tiber River and Vatican City.
- The Statue of Archangel Michael: One of the most iconic images associated with Castel Sant’Angelo is the statue of Archangel Michael that sits atop the castle. The archangel is depicted with a sword, a symbol of his victory over evil.
Those who stay there now and in the past
Over the centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo has had multiple uses and has been home to various historical figures. Initially built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it was later used as a defensive fortress, prison and papal residence.
In the Renaissance, the castle was turned into a temporary papal residence. Pope Clement VII took refuge there during the sack of Rome in 1527. In addition, the castle has been used as a prison for well-known historical figures, including the famous condottiere Benvenuto Cellini.
Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum open to the public, housing a vast collection of artwork, ancient weapons and historical artifacts. The castle is an important tourist attraction in Rome and a place to discover the city’s thousand-year history.
In conclusion, Castel Sant’Angelo is a must-see attraction for those visiting Rome. With its convenient admission hours and numerous historical attractions, it offers a fascinating view of the history and culture of the Eternal City. Exploring this castle is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of ancient Rome and medieval and Renaissance Italy.
