Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets, Hours, Tours & Tips For Your Visit

Looking for information on how to buy Castel Sant'Angelo tickets? You've come to the right page.

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome is a treasure of the city. A funerary monument, prison, refuge… this building has undergone numerous transformations and has a very rich past. Located near the Vatican, it's a must-see if you want to learn more about Rome!

In this article, I'll explain everything you need to know about the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.

You will find :

• Its practical information (hours, location, prices, tickets…)
• Its history
• What you can see and visit inside
• How to take a guided tour

If you're looking for information on how to visit Castel Sant'Angelo, you're going to love this article.

Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets – Best Entry Tickets, Skip the Line & Guided Tours

Here are the top choices for Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets.

Whether you simply desire entrance ticket, wish to skip the line, or prefer a guided tour, you can find it in this table.

Please take a moment to compare these three types of tickets.

For more perks, like private skip-the-line tours starting at €189, or different types of skip-the-line tickets, check out the next section.

Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets – Quick Links

Planning a visit to the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome?

Great!

Let's make sure you spend more time enjoying the sights rather than waiting in lines.

If you're looking to book tickets swiftly and want to dive straight into what the Castel has to offer, you've come to the right place.

Tip – Here we'll guide you through the ticket options so you can choose what suits you best. And if you're keen on digging deeper, just scroll down for the full scoop.

First things first, do you need tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo that won't break the bank and won't involve long waiting lines? Absolutely, and we've got you covered with straightforward options.

Let's cut to the chase and have a look at the best ticket types for you:

• 🎟️ Castel Sant Angelo: Fast Track Ticket + Guided Tour – This top pick offers a fast track entrance and a 2-hour guided tour with a maximum of 20 people. Priced at 59 €, it allows quick entry with a guided exploration. Get tickets here.
• 🎟️ Castel Sant'Angelo: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide – For 32 €, this ticket includes a 2-hour entrance ticket with an audio guide. It comes with a skip-the-line option and allows you to discover the history of the Sant'Angelo Castel at your own pace, without the restrictions of a group tour. Get entry tickets here.
• 🎟️ Rome: Castel Sant Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide – This option eases your visit with skip-the-line access as well as an audio guide. It’s the perfect choice if you want to explore the Castel freely. Tickets are available here.
• 🎟️ Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket – Simplify your entry with this straightforward skip-the-line ticket which includes an audio app guide. Sold at 30 €, it’s an excellent choice if you wish to bypass the queues and enjoy the castle at your leisure. Get skip line tickets here.
• 🎟️ Tickets for Vatican: Gardens by Minibus + Castel Sant'Angelo – These Castel Sant'Angelo tickets combo offer an exclusive tour of the Vatican Gardens by minibus, followed by a visit to Castel Sant'Angelo. It’s a great way to experience both the Vatican’s atmosphere and the historic fortress with one single ticket. Combo tickets are available here.
• 🎟️ You can also book your tickets here, on Castel Sant'Angelo official website. But please bear in mind this isn’t the most easy and straightforward option. You’ll indeed have to navigate through multiple sites (Gebart and Tosc) and the cancellation policy is very unclear. Yes it's the cheapest option, but this isn’t what we would recommend for you to book your Castel Sant Angelo tickets easily.
• 🎟️ Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo Skip the Line Private Tour – A great option if you seek a more exclusive and intimate experience. This private tour is available from 189 € and offers skip-the-line access along with a personalized guide. Get private tour tickets here.
• 🎫 Get Rome Tourist Card – An interesting option if you want to explore more of Rome's iconic attractions. This 98 € card includes options to visit Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter's Basilica or the Borghese Gallery along with other major attractions. The card is available here.

Booking skip-the-line tickets for Castel Sant Angelo saves precious time by avoiding long queues. It’s a great way to enrich your experience, free from the frustration of waiting!

How to Get Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets

Wondering where and how to buy Is Castel Sant’Angelo ticket?

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office on site. Opening and closing times for the ticket office depend on what time of the year you're visiting.

That’s why we recommend buying tickets online. Also, that way you will avoid potentially huge lines.

Tip – We recommend getting a Rome Tourist Pass with skip the line access if you want to skip the long lines you may encounter to enter. If you opt for an early morning or late evening visit, it’s safer to book your skip the line ticket online.

You can get your Castel Sant'Angelo tickets in three different ways.

1. Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets Official Website

When they get answered to the question “do I need tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo ?”, many people’s first reflex is to pay a visit to the Castel Sant'Angelo official tickets site.

And yes, tickets which are sold there are actually cheaper, but this route may not be as straightforward as you'd hope.

The Castel Sant Angelo tickets official website takes you on a bit of a digital odyssey.

First, it directs you from the main site to another to finally land where tickets are sold.

But even there, nothing is clear! Cancellation policies are not detailed and some info looks outdated.

Though this option might save you a mere 5 €, the cumbersome process hardly seems worth the slight discount.

2. Tiqets Website

If you’re still unsure of where to buy tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo or how to get tickets for Castel Sant'Angelo, then here’s the best answer I could find: Tiqets.com. To see all available tickets, click here.

It may be a few euros more than the official site, but nothing compares in terms of ease of use and speed of booking.

The Tiqets platform is user-friendly and fast, it outlines cancellation policies and it allows you to receive your Castel Sant'Angelo ticket straight away.

Here is how to book your tickets on Tiqets.com:

1. Visit the Tiqets Castel Sant'Angelo page.
2. Choose the ticket option that best suits your visit. You have the choice between around 15 options.
3. Select your desired date and time slot and the types of tickets (adults, children, infants).
4. Complete the purchase entry tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo with your personal and payment details.
5. Receive your tickets directly to your email, ready for use.

For example, you pick Entry Ticket + Audio Guide. Here are the step-by-step screenshots demonstrating how to book a ticket. 👆 Click the image to enlarge it.

3. Get Your Guide Website

If you seek the best platform to buy tickets Castel Sant'Angelo, Get Your Guide might be another interesting option. To see all available tickets, click here.

This website is easy to use and has many visit options. No doubt you’ll find your perfect Castel Sant'Angelo tickets online there!

Here is how to book your tickets on Get Your Guide:

1. Head over to the GetYourGuide Castel Sant'Angelo ticket page.
2. Browse through the ticket options available. More than 150 activities are offered there in relation to Castel Sant’Angelo.
3. Once you’ve found the perfect ticket, select your visit date and choose your type and number of tickets.
4. Choose your time slot and fill in your personal and payment information to complete the Castel de Sant'Angelo tickets booking process.
5. After completing your purchase, your tickets will be sent directly to your email.

For example, you pick Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide. Here are the step-by-step screenshots demonstrating how to book a ticket. 👆 Click the image to enlarge it.

3 Tips on How to skip-the-line at Castel Sant’Angelo?

Do you need tickets for Castel Sant Angelo that won't leave you stuck in long lines? Fortunately, it's possible.

Here are three tips on how to bypass the crowds and make the most of your visit:

1. Book Castel Sant Angelo skip-the-line tickets: secure your Castel Sant'Angelo Rome tickets by purchasing skip-the-line tickets online. This allows you to bypass the long queues and enter the castle directly. Castel di Sant'Angelo tickets with this feature are a smart choice if you don’t want to wait hours in queues.
2. Opt for online booking: to ensure a quick access to this historic site, book your tickets in advance and online. This will prevent time lost in long lines and guarantee a spot on your chosen visiting day, especially during peak seasons.
3. Arrive at off-peak times: to experience Castel Sant’Angelo at its best, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Tourists are still pretty rare during these strategic times.

The entrance for Castel Sant Angelo skip the line tickets is through the main gate, which is located on the right bank of the Tiber. You’ll easily access it by public transport or car.

Understanding the Entrance Queues at Castel Sant'Angelo

To understand what to expect, you’ll have to differentiate the types of Castel Sant'Angelo Rome tickets and how they influence your entry experience.

There are a few key queues to be aware of:

• Main Queue: this is where visitors without Castel Sant'Angelo national museum tickets or any pre-purchased ticket find themselves. Wait times are usually lengthy, particularly during the attraction's peak hours. They may reach up to an hour. This queue is the standard entry line. It moves at a slower pace due to the security check and ticket purchase process.
• Skip-the-Line Tickets Queue: if you're wondering how to visit Castel Sant'Angelo without the lengthy waits, opt for skip-the-line tickets. This queue is for you if you have booked your tickets online in advance. You’ll enjoy a reduced waiting time, usually just a few minutes.
• Guided Tour Queue: if you choose an enriched visiting experience with additional insights into the castle's history, then you must know that guided tours also come with priority entry. This means almost instant access upon arrival and bypassing the other queues entirely!

Castel Sant Angelo Hours

The Castel Sant'Angelo hours are from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with the final entry at 6:30 pm.

You won’t be able to book Castel Sant’Angelo tickets on Mondays as well as on January 1st and December 25th as it’s closed on those days.

How To Get To The Sant’Angelo Castel Rome ?

There are only a few buildings between Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Square.

It is along River Tiber not far from Vatican City. You should not find it hard to locate the castle from any of these locations as it's only a short walk.

Consider the following methods of transport to reach the fort:

• 🚌 Bus: there are many bus tours in Rome which stop very close to the castle since it is a popular sight. Get on a bus that stops at the Sant’Angelo bridge from where you can cross the bridge right into the famed castle. The Ottaviano San Pietro bus stop and others in the vicinity are very handy to reach the castle.
• 🚇 Metro: Rome’s extensive metro service has many stops close to the castle. When you follow the metro, alight at Ottaviano or Lepanto station. Orazio and Crescenzzio bus stops are just in front of the castle. There is another stop about eight blocks from the castle if you don’t mind the short walk.
• 🚆 Train and Tram access: if you’re coming from farther parts of Rome or its outskirts, consider trains and trams. The Roma San Pietro station is a convenient stop for train travelers. Tram lines are also a good choice to enjoy scenic routes to the vicinity, along the Tiber River.
• 🚗 Parking and driving: if you're driving to Castel Sant’Angelo, note that parking in the area will take some time. Opt for parking areas close to the Tiber River for easier access to the castle and remember to purchase your entry tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo in advance to avoid the queues.

What Is The Castel Sant’Angelo?

The Castel Sant'Angelo initially served as a military fortress and mausoleum but has since evolved into the Castel Sant'Angelo Museum.

It showcases many history, art, and architecture artifacts spanning centuries.

Is Castel Sant’Angelo part of the Vatican City?

Many tourists still ask if Castel Sant’Angelo is part of the Vatican City. The answer is no. The castle is situated on the same road as Vatican City but is not part of the latter.

There is a short distance between them. So if you want to see Vatican Museum it's only a 20 min walk.

The San Angelo Castle is currently open to the public and welcomes visitors to explore the museum and its many exhibits.

Why is Castel Sant’Angelo important?

Although it was used as a military establishment after it was built in AD 139, the historic building was constructed with a different purpose in mind. The original architectural plan intended the castle to be Crypt for Publius Aelius Hadrianus, the Roman Emperor of the time, and his family. That is why one of the names for this castle is Mausoleum of Hadrian.

Hundreds of years later, a special passageway was constructed for the sole purpose of quickly evacuating the Pope in case of emergencies. That corridor turned out to be a smart idea since Pope Clement the 7th used it in the early 1500s. The castle served as a sanctuary for him through the Roman sieges of 1527.

What You Can See During A Castel Sant’Angelo Tour ?

There are so many fascinating attractions on display at the castle. An astonishing seven levels are dedicated to exhibits alone—no wonder most people spend only an hour or two here.

You might not even cover all the sights in San Angelo’s Castle before you get tired and go back to rest. Since we can’t possibly cover everything on display without making this post too long, let’s look at some of the most notable attractions at the castle.

Hall of urns

This is regarded as the castle's most hallowed location. This is because it housed the royal families remains at one point.

The hall doesn't serve that purpose anymore but remains one of the most interesting spots to visit on this tour.

Bastions

The bastions were built to give the castle a fortified look while it served military purposes.

They can now be reached through the second floor. The strongholds of San Giovanni and St. Matthew both offer excellent views of River Tiber, a beautiful sight to not be missed.

Armory

As we mentioned earlier, the castle was used as a military establishment after construction was completed. The armory is still available for viewing on the fourth floor.

Beware that it has received plenty of renovation through the years and is no longer in its original form.

Prisons

At some point in time, the castle served as housing for prisoners in Rome. These prison cells still exist until today but have long since received a makeover. You will find many paintings and items on exhibit in the former prisons.

The angel’s terrace

From the roof of the San Angelo Castle, you can enjoy the most panoramic views of Rome. Apart from the scenic view, the rooftop is also the location of St. Michael the Archangel’s statue. Enjoying rooftop bars? Here’s my roundup of the best rooftop bars in Rome with fantastic views you won’t want to miss!

Papal rooms

Many rooms in the castle were designed for use by popes. These historic rooms are now the home of popular frescoes, paintings, exhibits, and other ornaments.

What You Need To Know To Go On A Castel Sant’Angelo Tour ?

Before you start planning your visit, make sure you understand the best times for a visit and know all about the logistical aspects like storage and free entry options.

This little knowledge goes a long way to ensure a memorable and hassle-free exploration!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Castel Sant’Angelo ?

Since this castle is a popular tourist attraction, it is open throughout the week. Visitors are allowed in from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm so as many guests as possible can get in on the action.

Just like other popular attractions in Rome, the castle is busiest during the afternoon. If you don’t want to wake up early and don’t mind crowds, you can visit from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The prime time to visit is from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and is even much less in the morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Tip – Another thing to note is that more guests come to visit the castle during the weekend. This makes weekdays much less crowded than weekends and holidays.

Storage

Because there is so much to see at the castle, some visitors spend the entire day looking around. Many visitors stay for one or two hours before heading off to another adventure.

There is no cloakroom or storage space for bags at the castle, so don't carry too much luggage with you. If you have a lot of baggage, find a storage location close by so you can be free to enjoy the tour.

Castel Sant Angelo Tickets – Free Entry for Special Categories

Entry is free for different categories of people, including EU citizens under 18, disabled people, and tourist guides.

On the first Sunday of every new month, all visitors are admitted free of charge to the castle. Beware that this draws a large crowd and you will probably wait hours to get in.

Additionally, Castel Sant'Angelo free entry Sunday extends to teachers accompanying educational groups, members of ICOM (International Council of Museums) and journalists by presenting valid identification.

So plan your Castel Sant Angelo tour around these provisions to visit the site without the cost!

Top Tips To Visit Castel Sant’Angelo

Depending on when you visit, there are different things to consider for a pleasant tour of Sant’Angelo’s castle.

• If your tour of beautiful Rome will start before noon, the castle is a great starting point. It is in close proximity to other attractions you can see on your day out including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon.
• For an afternoon visit, don’t skip a walk through the quiet, well-groomed gardens of the castle. If you’re traveling with kids, they will love this too.
• Nighttime is the best for couples who love fewer crowds. Watching the sunset behind St. Peters Basilica as you enjoy an evening walk along River Tiber will be surreal.

A visit to this castle is worth enjoying even if you only do it once in your lifespan.

Rome City Cards & Castel Sant’Angelo Visit

Let’s have a look at a few Rome city cards that might enhance your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo. Please remember that not every card may suit your needs.

This is why I would advise you to review the benefits of each to make sure they align with your itinerary and interests.

Is Rome Tourist Card Worth It for Castel Sant’Angelo?

Not sure if the Rome Tourist Card is worth it to visit Castel Sant’Angelo?

This card doesn't mean everything is free; rather, it allows you to select an entry from a range of top attractions like Castel Santangelo tickets, St. Peter's Basilica, or the Borghese Gallery.

It's an excellent choice if you want to save money on your Castel St Angelo tickets and visit some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.

Is The Omnia Card & Roma Pass Worth It Visiting Castel Sant’Angelo ?

The Omnia Vatican and Roma Pass 72 hours (available here) is one of Rome’s costliest all-inclusive passes for touring the city (learn more about all the Rome sightseeing Passes here). But is short – Castel Sant Angelo tickets Roma Pass – not worth it!

The 72-hour Roma Pass grants you direct access to two attractions of your choice. However, you are likely to use it on other, more famous attractions in Rome rather than on Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Omnia Card covers the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Peters Basilica.

It also covers one ticket to either the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, or Castel Sant’Angelo. With it, you can enjoy skip the line tickets and a three-day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket.

So, is Omnia Card worth it ?

Although expensive, the Omnia Pass (book your pass here) is worth it if you would rather skip the line and is great for enjoying other popular sights.

This pass is the best for flashpackers, and tourists who prefer to walk, and includes an audio tourist guide.

Tip – Make sure you check if your pass must be printed out or if you can use it from your cell phone. It helps to study terms and conditions to know if you must reserve a day and time for your visit to the castle and other attractions.

FAQs

Conclusion

We highly recommend a trip to this incredible historical sight. The incredible atmosphere, rich cultural value, and picturesque views will be worth it.

It will be a real shame to miss out on a visit to the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo. Now book your ticket here and continue planning your trip.