Castel Sant’ Angelo And St. Peter’s Square Tour

Overview

Discover the dark side of 2 iconic attractions in Rome on a 3-hour walking tour of the Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s Square, connected by the Passetto di Borgo. Meet your guide on Ponte Sant’ Angelo, formerly known as the “Aelian Bridge” or “Pons Aelius.” Built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the bridge spans the River Tiber from the city center to his mausoleum in the Castel Sant'Angelo. Admire sculptures of angels by Bernini, Raggi and Morelli, before skipping the ticket lines to see Hadrian’s tomb. Feast your eyes on the frescoes, Papal apartments, and magnificent corridors of the castle. Experience the fear of former prisoners as you learn about the castle’s time as a prison. Follow in the footsteps of former popes as you walk the Passetto di Borgo, and learn how they would escape death threats from their opponents. Your guide will explain the dark connections between the castle and Vatican State. Upon arrival in St. Peter's Square, admire Bernini’s massive colonnade. Look at the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, and learn about the architects behind its astonishing construction, including Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini. See the lovely fountains and red granite obelisk, originally erected at Heliopolis and moved to the Vatican in 1586.