If you love history and fantastic views, Castel Sant’Angelo is a MUST-visit in Rome.

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the second century, it was once the tallest building in Rome! It was later converted into a Pope’s fortress, connected to St.Peter’s Basilica by the Passetto di Borgo, which looks like a wall but contains a secret passageway.

Its name changed to Castel Sant'Angelo near the end of the 6th century after Pope Gregory had a vision of archangel Micheal atop the castle, which ended the Roman plague.

Recommend visiting in the late afternoon to explore all the rooms and exhibits before heading up to the Angel’s Terrace at sunset for panoramic city views.

What can you see from the Angel’s Terrace:

• Steeples of Rome’s many fabulous basilicas

• The Dome of the Pantheon

• Monument of Victor Emanuel II

• Bronze statue of Archangel Michael

• Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 7:30 pm. Closed on Monday.

BOOK IN ADVANCE: Skip-the-Line entry ticket for Castel Sant' Angelo (see link).