Castel Sant'Angelo is a must-see historic site located on the bank of the River Tiber in the heart of Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it later served as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.

With such a rich history, there is a plethora of fascinating artifacts to explore, as well as detailed sculptures and lush manicured gardens. The mausoleum has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural significance in Rome over the centuries.

If you're eager to know Rome throughout the ages, purchasing Castel Sant'Angelo tickets is the perfect way to do so.

Here's everything you need to know about Castel Sant'Angelo, one of the most captivating attractions in Rome.

How much do Castel Sant'Angelo tickets cost?

Castel Sant'Angelo tickets are affordable, which makes a visit to the mausoleum an interesting way to spend an hour or two in Rome.

The Castel Sant'Angelo entrance fees:

Adults (over 25): €13
Young EU citizens (18-25): €2
Under 18s and concessions: Free

If you choose to book your tickets in advance online, you'll be subject to a €1 booking fee. This also applies to free tickets.

Who is eligible for discounted tickets?

The mausoleum is included in the Roma Pass, and holders of the pass can visit Castel Sant'Angelo for free or at a discounted rate.

Should you book Castel Sant'Angelo tickets in advance of your visit?

Purchasing Castel Sant'Angelo tickets before visiting is an easy way to avoid the queues. You'll also pay a fair price for a guided tour and won't have to rely on nearby sellers who offer tickets at exorbitant rates.

Can you visit the Castel Sant'Angelo for free?

The Castel Sant'Angelo ticket fee is waived for all on the first Sunday of every month. You can visit between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM. Be mindful that, because of the free admission, the mausoleum becomes very busy and you can expect to queue.

What are the best Castel Sant'Angelo tours?

Castel Sant'Angelo tour with reserved entrance ticket

Castel Sant'Angelo tickets with reserved entry allow you to plan your trip to Rome and ensure you will gain entrance to the mausoleum on the day of your choice. You'll also skip the line at the UNESCO site, so you won't have to queue regardless of the time of day when you visit.

Castel Sant'Angelo fast track and guided tour

If you'd like to learn more about the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, your best option is to choose a guided tour. You'll enjoy two hours with an expert guide who will talk you through the intricate murals, ancient statues and culturally-significant tombs throughout the site. You'll also benefit from fast-track entry.

Castel Sant'Angelo: "Angels and Demons" experience

The Dan Brown book (and movie) "Angels and Demons" features Castel Sant'Angelo, as well as other landmarks in Rome. In this Angels and Demons tour of Rome, you can make the connection between the fictitious tale and the real-life monument.

You'll tour the site with a professional guide who will fill you in on the history behind the sculptures, statues and tomb.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Castel Sant'Angelo and other attractions?

A combined ticket to Castel Sant'Angelo and other attractions in Rome is a great way to save yourself time and money. This is especially helpful if you're on a tight itinerary, and combined tours often benefit from extras such as a personal guide or skip-the-line entry.

Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Square skip-the-line guided tour: Take a three-hour Rome walking tour and visit two of the city's most iconic landmarks and the Vatican City.
Skip-the-line Castel Sant'Angelo and Pope Paul III apartment tour: Discover life behind the scenes of the head of the church at the papal residence, as well as the tomb of Emperor Hadrian.
Emperor Hadrian in Rome: Tour of the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo and more: Walk in the footsteps of the notorious emperor in this tour that explores many of the sites that Hadrian frequented in Ancient Rome, one of them being the Emperor Hadrian's Villa, at the hilltop of Tivoli.

What will you see inside the Castel Sant'Angelo?

Built originally as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo has served as a fortress, a palace and a prison over the centuries. Today, it is open to the public as a museum.

Inside the Castello, you can see Hadrian's tomb, as well as a series of magnificent frescoes depicting scenes from his life. You can also explore the rooms that were once used by popes and aristocrats, and get a unique perspective on the city from the top of the battlement walls.

The mausoleum was originally built in the second century and was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian himself as a resting ground for when he died. The site was converted into a military fortress at the beginning of the fourth century, and much of the décor and relics were replaced.

One of the legends behind Castel Sant'Angelo's name is that the archangel Michael appeared upon the roof of the mausoleum in the year 590. Some say that he sheathed his sword to signify the end of the plague.

How do you reach the Castel Sant'Angelo?

The landmark is easy to reach from either the center of Rome or Vatican City, and there are several ways to do so.

You can choose to take a bus to the Piazza Pia which is located just a five-minute walk from the mausoleum. Many buses stop here, including 23, 271 and 280 buses.

Another option is to take the Metro line A to Lepanto or Ottaviano. Both stops are equal distances from the Castel and the journey takes just over 15 minutes on foot.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Roma San Pietro station and stroll leisurely through the streets of Rome for 20 minutes to access Castel Sant'Angelo.

When is the best time to visit the Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo is a majestic sight at any time of year, but the best time to visit is during the spring months.

From March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, the flowers are in bloom and the days are long enough to explore the castle grounds fully. Furthermore, there are fewer crowds than in the summertime and there are also many cultural events to discover in the city.

Regardless of the time of year, the mausoleum is busiest during the middle of the day, so time your visit to coincide with the quieter spells which are before 11 AM and after 6 PM.

Know before you

As this is one of the most visited sites in Rome, you should consider purchasing your Castel Sant'Angelo tickets in advance.
Avoid the sweltering heat of July and August, and plan your visit for the quieter and cooler months of March-May or September-October.
It's convenient to visit Castel Sant'Angelo, as well as other ancient sites in the center of Rome on the same day. Because of this, you should come prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
Be respectful of all historic Roman attractions by avoiding climbing on monuments.
As Castel Sant'Angelo was built so many years ago, the site is not especially wheelchair accessible. However, you can still visit several floors via the elevator.

Which other attractions can be visited in the city?

Castel Sant'Angelo: Tickets and Tours