Castel St Angelo has had many uses during its 2,000-year-long history. It was first created as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. Before becoming the popular museum it is today, popes used the impressive rotunda as a castle fortress. On this 90-minute tour with historical archaeologist and Context Travel expert, Philip Ditchfield, you’ll explore this unique archaeological site. Castel Sant’Angelo’s 58 rooms are packed full of centuries-old paintings, sculptures, and military memorabilia. With Philip’s help, you’ll see the most important artefacts, as well as the ones most visitors miss. The tour starts on Ponte Sant Angelo (St Angelo’s Bridge). From there, you’ll visit the Room of Urns where emperors found eternal rest, safeguarded from intruders by ingenious trap doors and ‘murder holes’. You’ll hear stories about the five popes and countless cardinals executed at the castle, view the Roman equivalent of Alcatraz, and ascend to the breathtaking Terrazzo dell’Angelo to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Learn about Passetto di Borgo, the ingenious fortified escape corridor commissioned by Pope Nicholas III that links the Vatican to the citadel • Find out about the Papal Apartments, where popes sought refuge in times of turmoil • Immerse yourself in centuries of art, sculpture, and military history • Take in the breathtaking Sala Paolina, Paul III’s lavish reception room • Trace the transformation of the Mausoleum of Hadrian into a fortress in the 1400s • See the grotesque-style art that adorns the walls of the Room of Apollo and the Biblioteca di Castel Sant Angelo (the library) • Behold the Treasure Chamber, where the Pope’s treasure chests once resided • Take in panoramic views from the terrace, one of the best vantage points to view the city’s other Renaissance and Baroque buildings • Spot the Archangel Michael statue that was sculpted by Michelangelo’s apprentice, Raffaello da Montelupo, which once stood atop the castle This tour offers a glimpse into life within a Renaissance palace. As you explore its hallowed halls and intricate chambers, you’ll be transported to a bygone era. By the end of this tour, you’ll have immersed yourself in the grandeur and heritage infused within the walls of this magnificent rotunda, dating back to 139 AD. Join Philip as you navigate this historic wonder, guided by his expert insights, and unlock the mysteries of Rome’s most enduring monument. *__Please Note:__ This tour doesn't include entry into Castel St Angelo. Buy your entry tickets online [here](https://www.tosc.it/en/artist/museo-nazionale-castel-sant-angelo/).*