Historic site · UNESCO
Colosseum
Rome, Italy
The vast Roman amphitheatre that has become the symbol of the Eternal City.
Castle · Italy · Lazio
Castel Sant'Angelo
A round fortress by the Tiber, once an emperor's tomb, later a papal refuge.
Paid entry about 1.5 h
For storytellers
Why Castel Sant'Angelo matters
Castel Sant'Angelo started as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian, and later became a fortress, prison and papal retreat. A covered passage links it to the Vatican. Climb to the terrace for views across the Tiber and St Peter's Basilica, and walk the angel-lined bridge outside.
Talking points
- It was built as a tomb for the Roman emperor Hadrian.
- A passage once let popes escape to the fortress.
- The bridge in front is lined with Bernini-school angels.
- The rooftop view toward St Peter's Basilica is excellent.
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Within about 40 km, closest first.