Attraction
Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre, completed in AD 80 under Titus, is Rome's defining ancient monument and the centrepiece of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Built as Hadrian's mausoleum in the 2nd century AD and later a papal fortress, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a national museum with sweeping rooftop views.
At a glance
- Type
- Castle and museum
- Area
- Borgo / Prati, Rome, Italy
- Official site
- direzionemuseiroma.cultura.gov.it
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Rooftop terrace
- Papal apartments
- River views
Why we recommend it
Hadrian's ashes were placed in this cylindrical mausoleum in 139 AD, and over the centuries it became a fortress, prison and papal refuge, linked to the Vatican by the raised Passetto di Borgo corridor. Pope Clement VII sheltered here during the Sack of Rome in 1527, and Puccini set the final act of Tosca on its ramparts.
A spiral ramp climbs through the ancient core to frescoed Renaissance papal apartments, armouries and courtyards, ending on the terrace beneath the bronze angel with views over the Tiber and St Peter's. Allow around two hours. The museum normally closes on Mondays, apart from a special afternoon opening on the first Monday of the month. Approach across Ponte Sant'Angelo, lined with Bernini's angels.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Castel Sant’Angelo FAQs
Is Castel Sant'Angelo open on Mondays?
It normally closes on Mondays, but from August 2026 opens on the first Monday of each month from 14:00 to 20:00.
What are the usual opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 19:30, with last entry at 18:30.