Castel Sant’Angelo: Opening Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Castel Sant'Angelo, once a fortress and papal residence, offers stunning views and rich history. Explore its secret passageways—get your tickets ahead to save time.

Ready to step back in time and explore one of Rome’s most iconic fortresses? Castel Sant’Angelo, perched along the Tiber River, has been everything from an imperial tomb to a papal stronghold.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient history or just want to take in breathtaking views of the city from the top, this monumental structure has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essentials—ticket prices, opening hours, and insider tips to make the most of your visit to this legendary landmark.

Top Tickets

# Priority entrance tickets
# Guided tour
# Ticket with optional audio guide

It’s highly recommended to book your Castel Sant’Angelo tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Key takeaways

You can purchase standard or guided tour tickets online for Castel Sant’Angelo. Online tickets are cheaper, and booking in advance secures your preferred time slot

Key highlights include the Papal Rooms, the Armoury, the Hall of the Urns, and the prison cells. The terrace offers breathtaking views of Rome, especially at sunset

Arriving at 9 am helps avoid the busiest hours (10 am to 3 pm). Alternatively, visit after 3 pm for fewer crowds and enjoy a sunset view from the terrace

From early July to early September, Castel Sant’Angelo opens for evening visits from 8:30 pm to 1 am. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy the illuminated views of Rome after dark

Castel Sant’Angelo offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month, but it’s not recommended due to large crowds and long waiting times

What’s ahead

History of the castle

Things to know before booking tickets

You can book your tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo online or at the attraction. However, if you buy tickets at the venue, be prepared to wait in long lines, especially during peak times, which could waste your time. Booking online secures a cheaper price and allows you to choose your preferred time slot. As soon as you buy the tickets, they get emailed to your inbox—no need for printouts. On the day of your visit, arrive 15 minutes early, show your e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance, and walk right in.

Castel Sant’Angelo tickets

There are two ways to experience the attraction.

You can choose the standard ticket, available online, for the most budget-friendly way to explore Castel Sant’Angelo, or opt for the guided tour for the ultimate in-depth experience.

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Image: Nomadbytrade.com

Priority entrance tickets

This skip-the-line ticket gets you seamless entry into Castel Sant’Angelo.

With this ticket, you can access everything in the attraction, including the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo and the temporary exhibitions.

Explore the museum’s seven floors to discover an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period.

Climb the spiral staircase to reach the Chamber of Ashes, where several historical figures were incarcerated, before visiting the Papal Residence.

Finish your experience with a panoramic view over Rome and the River Tiber from the castle terrace.

Ticket Price

Adult (18+ years): €30
Youth (6 to 17 years): €10
Child (up to 5 years): Free entry

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Guided tour into the world of Angels and Demons
Join this thrilling 4-hour guided tour and uncover the secrets of the Illuminati. Explore the mysterious Church of Illumination and walk the hidden passage that links the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. If you’re a fan of Dan Brown’s bestseller or the movie, this is a must-do experience! Book your spot now


Recommended


Guided tour of the castle

A local guide takes you around during this 2-hour guided tour of Castel Sant’Angelo.

The fast-track entry of this ticket ensures you don’t waste time waiting in the queues.

The group is limited to 20 visitors; all get a headset to hear the guide well.

After seeing all the exhibits in the castle, you go to the terrace for panoramic city views.

The guided tour starts at 10 am, 3 pm, and 5 pm.

Ticket Price: €59

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Insider Tip
If you are in Rome from July to early September and plan to visit Castel Sant’Angelo during the night hours, you will also get to see the suspended corridor connecting Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican. The 800-meter-long (2624.67 feet) passageway is known as Passetto di Borgo. The Vatican Popes used this corridor for centuries to escape to the safety of the Castle whenever armies invaded.

Frequently asked questions

Does Sant’Angelo offer free tickets?

On the first Sunday of every month, all visitors can enter the attraction for free. Every day, entry is free for disabled visitors with a certified disability.

Do we need to print online tickets?

Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Castel Sant’Angelo.

What is the Castle’s arrival time?

When you book the attraction’s tickets, you must select a preferred time of visit. Keeping the security check time in mind, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes ahead of your visit time. Latecomers will not be allowed entry, and no refunds will be given.

Does the Castel Sant’Angelo offer discounts for locals?

The attraction offers discounted admission to EU citizens aged 18 and 25, children aged six and 17, and infants up to five years. There are no discounts for students and military personnel.

Does Roma Pass include access to the attraction?

Yes, the Roma Pass includes entry to Castel Sant’Angelo. It is popular because it also includes access to the public transportation network free of charge.

What is the Castel Sant’Angelo’s refund policy?

This Rome attraction has a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.

What is the Castle’s rain policy?

The attraction is an all-weather experience, so all tickets are final.

Can I take photographs inside Castel Sant’Angelo?

Yes, you can take pictures inside Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, but you can’t use film, a flash, a tripod, or a selfie pole.

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St. Michael the Archangel on top of Castel Sant’ Angelo is made of bronze and got sculpted in the 1700s. Before this bronze version, a marble sculpture stood at the same spot. Image: Througheternity.com

Opening hours

Castel Sant’Angelo is open from 9 am to 7.30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Monday.

The last entry is at 6.30 pm.

On 1 January and 25 December, the museum is closed.

Night timings: From early July to early September, Castel Sant’Angelo also opens in the evening – from 8.30 pm to 1 am the next day. During these extended hours, the ticket office closes at midnight.

How long does the tour take

The museum boasts five levels of exhibits, and most visitors aim to see them all. However, the top floor is a standout favorite, featuring the iconic Archangel St. Michael statue and stunning panoramic views of Rome.

While many tourists complete their visit in about an hour, those who go to all levels often spend up to two hours exploring Castel Sant’Angelo.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Castel Sant’Angelo is right when it opens at 9 am. Arriving early allows you to beat the peak hours of 10 am to 3 pm.

During these busy times, lines can stretch up to an hour, and when the crowds are overwhelming, the museum may impose additional entry restrictions, further extending wait times.

If a morning visit isn’t possible, we suggest 3 pm, because the crowds thin out by then.

We recommend arriving around 3 pm, exploring the castle’s rooms, and enjoying a breathtaking sunset from the terrace bar overlooking St. Peter’s dome.

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One of the Papal rooms in Castel Sant’ Angelo. Image: Karel Jakubec / Wikimedia

Free entry into Castel Sant’ Angelo

On the first Sunday of every month, Rome’s most famous landmarks, including Castel Sant’Angelo, offer free entry, a tradition known as Domenica al Museo (Sunday at the Museum).

While the free admission is tempting, we don’t recommend visiting on this day due to the large crowds.

You can expect long lines outside, resulting in wasted time, and once inside, the packed rooms can make it difficult to enjoy and explore the castle.

Related: Buy the Omnia Card to enter the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel for free

What to see at Castel Sant’ Angelo

The attraction offers fascinating tales, both intriguing and sinister, that are well worth discovering.

In addition to these stories, Castel Sant’Angelo offers numerous must-see exhibits and unforgettable experiences.

View of Rome from the terrace

Castel Sant Angelo’s roof is also known as the ‘Terrace of the Angel’ because the Archangel St. Michael statue proudly rests on this floor.

The terrace offers excellent views of the city of Rome on all sides.

View of RomePin
View of Rome from roof of Castel Sant Angelo. Image: Marthasitaly.com

Watching the Roman skyline at sunset from the terrace elevates the experience to a whole new level.

Papal Rooms

Castel Sant’Angelo has several papal rooms that once served as the residence of various Popes, including Pope Clement VII.

Do not miss seeing Pope Clement VII’s private bathroom.

Designed to reflect the grandeur of papal life, these rooms are decorated with stunning paintings, frescoes, and intricate details.

The Armoury

Every Castle has an armory, and Castel Sant’Angelo is no different.

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Image: Reidsitaly.com

Its armory is on the fourth floor, and the Castel Sant Angelo tickets get you access to this fascinating arms and ammunition room as well. 

The Prisons

Throughout its long history, Castel Sant’Angelo has served various roles, including functioning as a local jail.

Executions by guillotine and burning at the stake were once a regular occurrence within its walls.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the prison cells where these events took place.

The Bastions

Castel Sant’Angelo has four bastions that were used to protect the fortress during attacks.

Today, visitors can access these platforms from the second floor.

The St. Matthew and San Giovanni Bastions, in particular, offer stunning views of the Tiber River, making them a favorite spot for tourists.

Hall of the Urns

Hall of the Urns was once used to house the remains of the imperial family.

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Image: Colosseumrometickets.com

Even though the family’s urns aren’t there anymore, this room still draws the tourists.

Insider Tip
Since exploring Castel Sant’Angelo doesn’t take time, many tourists combine it with a visit to nearby attractions such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, The Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza Navona, and The Pantheon.

History of Castel Sant’ Angelo

In 135 AD, Emperor Hadrian began construction of the mausoleum, which would eventually become a castle.

The project took four years to complete, and over time, it started serving military purposes.

In 590 AD, when a devastating plague struck Rome, Pope Gregory I had a vision of Saint Michael the Archangel, heralding the end of the epidemic.

To commemorate this event, a statue of Saint Michael was placed atop the building.

Centuries later, in 1277, an 800-meter (2,625-foot) corridor was built to connect the Castle to Vatican City, providing an emergency escape route for the Pope.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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