Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo Walking Tour in Rome
Rome, Italy
Rating: 
Trip Type: Cultural Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Discover two of Rome’s lesser-known treasures, Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo, on this 3-hour tour. With an expert guide, enter the castle and learn how it served as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian before becoming a papal fortress. Tour the lavish apartments and museum, see the remnants of Hadrian’s tomb, and admire the city views from the rooftop. Plus, wander across the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a Roman marble bridge lined with exquisite statues. Numbers are limited to 20 people on this small-group tour for a personalized experience.
Special Offer!
Travel by Dec 31, 2016 and save 10% off our previously offered price! - Book Now!
Travel by Dec 31, 2016 and save 10% off our previously offered price! - Book Now!
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Discover two of Rome’s lesser-known treasures, Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo, on this 3-hour tour. With an expert guide, enter the castle and learn how it served as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian before becoming a papal fortress. Tour the lavish apartments and museum, see the remnants of Hadrian’s tomb, and admire the city views from the rooftop. Plus, wander across the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a Roman marble bridge lined with exquisite statues. Numbers are limited to 20 people on this small-group tour for a personalized experience.Make your own way to the Castel Sant’Angelo on the banks of the Tiber River in central Rome. Meet your guide, and if you wish, put on the supplied audio headsets to ensure you can hear their commentary clearly.
Before setting off, discover how the castle was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian in around 134 BC. Learn also how, having housed his and other emperors' remains for two centuries, it was incorporated into Rome’s defensive walls and, from the 14th century, functioned as a papal sanctuary and prison.
Approach the castle along the magnificent Ponte Sant’Angelo, the marble bridge that Hadrian had built to lead to his tomb. Admire the ten exquisite angel statues, designed by Bernini, that were added to the bridge in 1669, and admire the splendid views of the Tiber River.
As you walk, hear how, according to legend, the Archangel Michael landed on top of the castle in 590 AD, ending an outbreak of plague in the city, and thereby lending the building and its bridge the name of Sant’Angelo.
Head inside the castle (own expense) and, with your guide leading the way, explore its halls, courtyards and fortifications. Marvel at the fresco-painted papal apartments; see the ramparts, towers and claustrophobic prison cells; and witness the paintings and other treasures in the museum.
Also, descend to the original, Roman-era level of the building and view the remnants, including arches and statue niches, of what was once Hadrian’s tomb.
Finally, visit the roof terrace to admire its statue of the Archangel Michael and sweeping views over Rome, and then snap photos during a stroll around the castle grounds.
After around three hours, your tour ends when you leave your guide outside the castle.
Please note: The order of activities as described above may change on the day.
Special Offer - Travel by Dec 31, 2016 and save 10% off our previously offered price!
- Book Now!
Before setting off, discover how the castle was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian in around 134 BC. Learn also how, having housed his and other emperors' remains for two centuries, it was incorporated into Rome’s defensive walls and, from the 14th century, functioned as a papal sanctuary and prison.
Approach the castle along the magnificent Ponte Sant’Angelo, the marble bridge that Hadrian had built to lead to his tomb. Admire the ten exquisite angel statues, designed by Bernini, that were added to the bridge in 1669, and admire the splendid views of the Tiber River.
As you walk, hear how, according to legend, the Archangel Michael landed on top of the castle in 590 AD, ending an outbreak of plague in the city, and thereby lending the building and its bridge the name of Sant’Angelo.
Head inside the castle (own expense) and, with your guide leading the way, explore its halls, courtyards and fortifications. Marvel at the fresco-painted papal apartments; see the ramparts, towers and claustrophobic prison cells; and witness the paintings and other treasures in the museum.
Also, descend to the original, Roman-era level of the building and view the remnants, including arches and statue niches, of what was once Hadrian’s tomb.
Finally, visit the roof terrace to admire its statue of the Archangel Michael and sweeping views over Rome, and then snap photos during a stroll around the castle grounds.
After around three hours, your tour ends when you leave your guide outside the castle.
Please note: The order of activities as described above may change on the day.
Special Offer - Travel by Dec 31, 2016 and save 10% off our previously offered price!
- Book Now!
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