In Rome, What Is Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo is a large circular fortress which lies on the outskirts of Vatican City State. It was designed and built by Pope Hadrian, who used it as his own mausoleum. It was renamed in the sixth century when Pope Gregory the Great allegedly witnessed a vision of St Michael that ended a plague in the city of Rome. From this point, it was used as a fortress to harbour popes in times of attack, during a siege or an invasion. About the same time, a passageway was built to link the castle with the Vatican so popes could scurry along a wall to and get to the fortress in safety.

The main level at the top houses a small palace for papal residents. Other rooms hold swords, armour, and guns and most rooms are beautifully decorated. Below are the dungeons and storerooms, formally part of the city's most notorious Renaissance prison. You can visit between 9am and 8pm from Tuesday to Sunday and it costs an entrance fee of 6.50 euros. There are breathtaking views across the Eternal City from the top of the castle. The view of St. Peter's Square and Basilica is particularly impressive.