The construction of Castel Sant'Angelo, commissioned by the Emperor Adriano, was begun in 123 A.D. and completed in 138 A.D. The Castel has come to symbolise fortified Rome. The building initially functioned as a family mausoleum. Between 270 and 275, under the command of Aureliano, the building was fortified for defensive purposes with the addition of the towers and walls, to which four angular bastions by Nicolò V were added in later years, thus creating the present day formation.
Castel Sant'Angelo hosts numerous exhibitions of various genre throughout the year. It also houses the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo in which ceramics, furnishings, armoury and renaissance paintings are displayed. Every part of the building can be visited; from the Pope's apartments to the salons, which are rich in exquisite décor and frescoes, to the prisons. Among the most beautiful rooms is the Loggia Paolo III, the Sala Clemente VII, Sala Paolina and the Leone X Chapel.
Rome other destinations
Castel Sant'Angelo Italy Hotel Collection.
Our unique collection of Italian boutique hotels, small luxury hotels and resorts.
Hotel Raphael Relais & Châteaux Roma
Hotel Raphael Relais & Châteaux - Roma Hotels | Hotel Raphael Relais & Châteaux: art and hospitality in the heart of Rome.
Largo Febo, 2 - Roma (Roma)
Atlante Star Roma
Atlante Star - Roma Hotels | Boasting a bird's eye view of St.Peter's, Atlante Star is a classy 4 star hotel, right in the very heart of Rome.
Via G.Vitelleschi, 34 - Roma (Roma)
Hotel Dei Mellini Roma
Hotel Dei Mellini - Roma Hotels | Situated in an attractive district on the right bank of the Tiber, strategically located in the historic, cultural...
Via Muzio Clementi 81 - Roma (Roma)
Visconti Palace Hotel Roma
Visconti Palace Hotel - Roma Hotels | The Visconti Palace Hitel is strategically located in the historic, cultural and business heart of Rome.
Via Federico Cesi, 37 - Roma (Roma)
Gigli d'Oro Suite Roma
Gigli d'Oro Suite - Roma Hotels | To-die-for designer suites in the heart of the Eternal city
Via de' Gigli d'Oro, 12 - Roma (Roma)
Castel Sant'Angelo Italy towns in the vicinity
Coliseum
The Anfiteatro Flavio, known throughout the world, the Coliseum is symbolic of the city of Rome....
Basilica of San Pietro
With an area covering 22.067 square meters on 186 meters length, the Basilica of San Pietro is...
Piazza di Spagna
Seat of the Spanish Embassy in Rome, Piazza di Spagna is dominated by the 16th century French...
Pantheon
Agrippa's Pantheon is situated in Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon, meaning the...


