Castel Sant'Angelo | The Tomb of Hadrian Private Guided Tour

This tour will take you away from the crowds and carry you into the Roman age right up to the 19th century! You will learn about powerful emperors, intriguing popes, mad rushes, executions and much more! Meet your guide in front of the entrance to the Castel Sant’Angelo, next to the bridge, and set off on a 2/3-hour guided tour. You’ll learn about all the sculptures located on the Ponte Sant’Angelo that crosses the city’s main river, the Tiber. After discovering the history of the bridge and its many beautiful statues, with your private guide you will enter the Castel Sant'Angelo without queuing and admire the historical development of this important place which has been first a Roman tomb, then a papal residence, fortress, prison, execution ground and currently a museum offering one of the most amazing views over the city. The fortress was originally commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a burial chamber for his family and for himself. During the tour, you’ll visit several rooms used by the popes, including Pope Clement VII’s bathroom decorated by Raphael’s frescoes. But beyond the amazing decorations, golden stuccos, sparkling marble floors, the castle hides a dark heart: the dreadful prisons. The most terrible one was inserted in a vent over the elicoidal ramp of Hadrian’s Mausoleum, a small room accessible just from a trapdoor and another one in the floor was used to get rid of corpses. The Castel Sant’Angelo has also inspired several writers and directors, for example, Dan Brown mentions the Castle in his best seller “Angels and Demons”. You’ll climb to the top of the building to the terrace, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Rome and a great place for selfies.