A private guide through Castel Sant'Angelo from Hadrian's mausoleum to the Vatican's fortress, prison and treasury, with the frescoed halls of the papal apartments and the Aelian bridge in front, rated 5 across 43 reviews. Tickets and the private guide are included at €130 per person, pickup and transport are not. Stairs; moderate fitness needed.
The monument was built by emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) together with the Aelius bridge in front of it to become a mausoleum for himself and for his successors.
In the course of centuries it became the defensive rampart of the Vatican City, the site of a garrison, a prison, but also the offices of the Vatican Treasury and Archive.
Today the interior of the castle can be visited with its seventeenth century rich frescoed halls (Hall of Apollo, Hall of Paolina decorated with the Stories of Alexander the Great, Hall of Perseus with episode of the myth of the Greek hero, Room of Amore and Psiche), the prisons, the collection of antique arms, the painting gallery (with works by Carlo Crivelli, Luca Signorelli, and Dosso Dossi), the collection of ancient marbles, ceramics, and sculptures.
The terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of the Historical Center.
This tour runs every day except Mon, departing at 09:00, 15:30. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 12, 2026.
We will meet in front of the entrance of the Castle. We will hold a sign with your name.
We will meet in front of the entrance of the Castle. We will hold a sign with your name.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| 1+ days | Full refund |
| 0-1 days | No refund |