{"id":37670,"date":"2024-09-16T16:49:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T16:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=37670"},"modified":"2025-12-18T18:52:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:52:53","slug":"should-you-visit-the-castel-santangelo-heres-why-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/should-you-visit-the-castel-santangelo-heres-why-to-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo? Here\u2019s Why To Go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just a short walking distance from St. Peter’s Basilica, the Castel Sant’Angelo is one of my favorite landmarks in Rome. But because of its proximity to the more popular basilica, many tourists often overlook it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a local, I love the quiet presence of the Castel Sant’Angelo. I enjoy walking by the river Tiber and admiring its beautiful architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I’ll give you all the necessary information to decide if you should visit the Castel Sant’Angelo on your trip to Rome and what to see if you decide to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Castel Sant’Angelo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boat<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Castel Sant’Angelo has had many uses over the centuries. The emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a mausoleum in 135 to serve as his tomb. For this reason, the Castel Sant’Angelo is still known today as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its history, the Mausoleum of Hadrian served as a fortress for the popes, a prison, and even as a place of executions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then in the 20th century, it finally became a museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is the Castel Sant’Angelo located?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mausoleum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find the Castel Sant\u2019Angelo right in front of the river Tiber, facing the majestic Sant\u2019Angelo Bridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From St. Peter\u2019s Square, you can head straight along Via della Conciliazione. In a few minutes, you\u2019ll see the rotunda of Hadrian\u2019s mausoleum in front of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Castel Sant’Angelo is a perfect stop after visiting the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica due to its proximity. Even if you decide not to visit it inside, it’s worth the short walk to admire it from outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next to it, in the park, you’ll find the famous Passetto di Borgo. The passetto was a secret passage that connected the Vatican to the Castel Sant’Angelo. In the case of an enemy siege, the pope could use the passage to escape to safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Mausoleum of Hadrian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Closeup<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did the final resting place of Hadrian end up becoming the fortress of the popes? Let\u2019s dive into the fascinating history of the Mausoleum of Hadrian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n