Ponte Sant'Angelo, Papal Apartments, and Terrace Views
Hour 1 - Ponte Sant'Angelo and the Approach to the Castle
Begin at Ponte Sant'Angelo, the historic bridge built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian.
Walk across the bridge and observe the ten marble statues of angels added between 1667 and 1669 under the direction of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Continue toward the entrance of Castel Sant'Angelo and observe its massive structure rising above the right bank of the Tiber River.
Hour 2 - Interior of Castel Sant'Angelo
Enter the castle and follow the internal ramp leading through the historic levels of the fortress.
Visit the rooms once used by several popes, including Pope Nicholas V, Pope Alexander VI, and Pope Julius II.
Observe decorations created by artists such as Pinturicchio.
Walk through the defensive areas and bastions constructed during the sixteenth century.
Hour 3 - Terrace and Panoramic Views
Ascend to the upper terrace of the fortress.
View the statue of the Archangel Michael commemorating the vision of Pope Gregory I in 590 AD.
Observe the elevated passage known as Passetto di Borgo, which connected the castle with the Vatican.
Conclude the visit while enjoying views of Rome and the Tiber River.
