Small-Group Castel Sant Angelo and St Peter Square Tour from Rome

Sightseeing  :  Italy  :  Latium And Rome  :  Rome  :  Half-day Tours

Explore 2 historic sites of Rome on a 3-hour walking tour of the Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s Square. Learn the history of an ancient fortress, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum. Marvel at Bernini’s colonnades in the Vatican City with your small-group of no more than 13.After meeting your guide, depart to Ponte Sant’ Angelo, formerly known as the “Aelian Bridge” or “Pons Aelius.” Built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the bridge spans the River Tiber from the city center to his mausoleum in the Castel Sant'Angelo. Admire sculptures of angels by Bernini, Raggi and Morelli, before skipping the lines to see Hadrian’s tomb. Feast your eyes on the frescoes, Papal apartments, and magnificent corridors of the castle. Immerse yourself in the lives of former prisoners as you learn about the castle’s time as a prison.

Follow in the footsteps of former Popes as you walk the Passetto di Borgo. Learn how they would escape death threats from their opponents. The guide will explain the dark connections between the castle and Vatican State. Upon your arrival in St. Peter's Square, admire Bernini’s massive colonnade. Look at the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, and learn about the architects behind its astonishing construction, including Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini. See the lovely fountains and red granite obelisk, originally erected at Heliopolis and moved to the Vatican in 1586 before ending your tour.