National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo

Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century A.D., then fortress-castle connected to the Vatican with a corridor, the so-called Passetto- and seat of Popes who lived here from 15th century, later prison and finally Museum, this place embodies all these things.

We’ll begin our visit from the Room of the Urns, where the Emperor Hadrian mortal ashes  were kept and going along a Roman ancient staircase inside the monument we’ll reach the Courtyard of the Angel from where it’s possible to see the Hall of Justice where all the criminal trials took place and the Apollo Hall, first of the rooms connected to Pope Paul III Farnese who lived here in the first half of 16th century and who asked Perin del Vaga and his pupils to decorate the place.

The Loggia, the Pauline Hall, the Perseo Hall and the Hall of Love and Psyche are part of the lavish Paul IIIrd apartment. The Pompeian corridor connects these environments to the upper level where we will find the papal Library, the Hall of Adrianeo, the Hall of Festoons, a small but well guarded room and the Treasure Hall, where the papal properties and archives were stored in wardrobes and coffers.

The visit will end going up to the last level, the Terrace of Angel , dominated by the huge statue of Archangel Michel, made by Pietre Anton van Verscheffelt on 1752. From there it’s possible to enjoy a marvellous view of Rome, the Eternal City.
Today it’s a National Museums with a section for temporary exhibitions.

The Castle for its amazing history it’s connected to Tosca, opera by Giacomo Puccini, and it’s one of the place of “Angels and Demons” novel by Dan Brown. 

During Summer time, there is a special night opening with visit of the prisons and part of the “Passetto”.