Castel Sant’Angelo was built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian AD 130-139. It has been both a prison, fortress and a papal residence, there is a secret passageway that connects Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican City. Popes used to go to Castel Sant’Angelo through the passageway if they felt they were in danger at the Vatican. The Castle has a long and interesting history, it has been looted and pillaged by just about every invader that entered Rome. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared on top of Castel Sant’Angelo sheathing his sword as a sign of the end of the plague of 590. Castel Sant’Angelo has appeared in the book Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons and the video game Assassin’s Creed 2 as well as movies and operas. Your very own private guide will take you on a journey deep within the walls of this incredible and imposing monument, revealing all the mysteries and secrets that have been trapped inside for centuries. You will visit Hadrian's tomb, the emperors famous resting place, the Papal fortress where Popes would talk refuge in times of crisis, delve deep in to the Castles prisons and torture chambers, then climb up upon the large terrace, where Puccini's heroine jumped to her death in his opera "Tosca", it has a truly fantastic view over the Eternal City centre of Rome. Come with us on this unforgettable experience in to the heart of Roman history!