Overview of Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum

The Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum is located in the Castel Sant'Angelo fortress in Rome, Italy. The castle was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 139, and was later used as a military fortress and a papal residence. Today, it serves as a national museum that houses a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts.


The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo features numerous galleries that showcase the history of the castle and the city of Rome. Visitors can explore the castle's fortifications and see various rooms and chambers that were used by the Popes and the military over the centuries. The museum's collection includes ancient Roman sculptures, medieval weapons, Renaissance paintings, and various artifacts related to the history of the Vatican City. Some of the most notable pieces in the collection include a statue of Hercules and a large collection of military weaponry.


The Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which offer visitors a chance to see unique and rare artifacts from around the world. The museum is open daily and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to learn about the rich history and culture of Rome.

Things to See in Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum

national museum of castel sant'angelo
The Papal Apartments

The national museum of Castel Sant'Angelo has Papal Apartments which offer a glimpse into the lives of the Popes who once lived in the castle. The rooms are decorated with ornate frescoes, tapestries, and furniture.


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Castel Sant'Angelo national museum
The Military Collection

The museum's military collection includes a range of artifacts, including weapons, armor, and uniforms. At the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, visitors can see objects used by soldiers throughout history, from ancient Roman swords to modern-day firearms.


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Castel Sant'Angelo national museum
The Gallery of Paintings

The museum's collection of paintings includes works by artists such as Perugino, Domenichino, and Caravaggio. The paintings at Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum depict a range of subjects, from religious scenes to portraits.


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national museum of castel sant'angelo
The Sculpture Gallery

The museum's sculpture gallery includes works from the ancient Roman period, as well as pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. At the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, visitors can see sculptures by artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini.


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National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo
The Prison Cells

The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo also houses the castle's former prison cells, which were used to hold prisoners during the fortress's time as a military prison. The cells are located deep within the castle's walls and offer a glimpse into the harsh conditions that prisoners would have faced.


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Castel Sant'Angelo
The Treasury

The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo treasury includes a collection of coins, medals, and other objects from the ancient Roman period. Visitors can see coins from the reigns of emperors such as Julius Caesar and Augustus.


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History of the Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum

Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum History

The Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum, also known as the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, has a long and fascinating history. The building itself, the Castel Sant'Angelo, was originally constructed in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Over the centuries, it has been used as a fortress, a papal residence, a prison, and a museum.


In the 14th century, the Castel Sant'Angelo became a refuge for the popes, who had a fortified passageway built between the Vatican and the castle. The popes used the castle as a safe haven during times of political unrest and war, and the passageway allowed them to move between the two locations in secret. During this time, the castle was expanded and fortified, with additional walls, towers, and battlements.


In the 19th century, the Castel Sant'Angelo was turned into a museum by the Italian government. The museum was initially focused on military history, but over time, the collection expanded to include works of art, sculpture, and other cultural artifacts. Today, the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the most popular museums in Rome, attracting visitors from around the world who come to see its impressive collection and learn about its rich history.


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Book Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets

Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Fast Track Admission Tickets
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Highlights
  • Marvel at centuries of ancient history within the castle walls at the museum

  • Explore 5 floors of the magnificent Castel Sant'Angelo Museum by booking your skip-the-line ticket

  • Enjoy stunning views from the city, river, and sunset from the terrace of the castle

  • Learn about the museum's past and how it served as a fortification against Barbarian attacks on the city

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Must Know Before You Go
  • You will have to climb a series of stairs to reach the panoramic terrace.
  • Participants are not allowed to carry any sharp object, lighter, luggage bag, alcohol, knife, etc.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • Age policies change according to the package. Please go through the policies in the package before booking.
  • Please note that the time slots may be subject to slight variations, and we will allocate a time slot available within a 30-minute window before or after your initial selection.
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What is the Castel Sant'Angelo national museum?

    The Castel Sant'Angelo national museum is a museum located in the Castel Sant'Angelo fortress in Rome, Italy. The museum houses a collection of art, sculpture, and historical artifacts.

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