📍Castel Sant’Angelo – Tips for First-Time Visitors 🏰🇮🇹

Perched on the right bank of the Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo began as Emperor Hadrian’s lavish mausoleum in AD 135 and later morphed into a papal fortress and prison. Today, it offers a fascinating blend of ancient Roman engineering, medieval ramparts, and Renaissance papal apartments, all crowned by panoramic views of Rome. 🔍 What to Expect Ground Floor & Crypts: Discover Hadrian’s original cylindrical tomb design and see sarcophagi fragments. Passetto di Borgo: Peek at the infamous escape corridor connecting the castle to Vatican City (not normally open, but guided tours sometimes include it). Papal Apartments: Admire frescoed halls where popes once sheltered—look for the gilded Chapel of Leo X. Rooftop Terrace: Climb to the top for 360° views over St. Peter’s Basilica, the Tiber River, and the city skyline. 🎟️ Booking & Entry Tickets: Around €15 – €18; consider a combined Vatican + Castel tour via Trip.com to skip lines and access the museum. Guided Tours: Opt for a skip-the-line guided tour (bookable on Trip.com) that includes the Secret Passetto, papal cells, and historical anecdotes. ⏰ Timing & Crowds Best Time to Visit: Early morning (9:00–10:30 AM) to avoid tour groups and midday heat. Closing Time: Generally 7:30 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM); check hours seasonally. 👟 Practical Tips • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Multiple staircases and uneven floors—expect about 200 steps to reach the terrace. • Bring Water & Hat: Limited shade on upper levels; summer can be hot. • Photography: No flash in interior rooms; rooftop is perfect for sunset shots over the Tiber. • Combine Nearby Sights: After your visit, walk across the Ponte Sant’Angelo toward Piazza Navona or the Vatican.