Castel Sant'Angelo is a breathtaking historical fortress situated in Rome, Italy. Its origins date back to the 2nd century AD when it was constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. However, over the centuries, it evolved into a formidable castle and played various roles, serving as a papal residence and even a prison. Its strategic location near the Vatican and a commanding view of the Tiber River made it a vital military and political stronghold throughout its fascinating history.

The architecture of Castel Sant'Angelo is impressive, with its massive cylindrical shape and the statue of the archangel Michael at the top. The castle is surrounded by a moat and has a drawbridge and thick walls, making it a formidable fortress.

Inside, visitors can explore the castle's many rooms and see its impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art and artifacts. There are also exhibits showcasing the castle Sant'Angelo's history as a prison, including the cells where prisoners were held and the courtyard where executions took place. Castel Sant'Angelo is not only a historical and cultural treasure but also a stunning example of Roman architecture and engineering. Its strategic position and storied past make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rome.

• The Castel Sant'Angelo opening hours are from 9 am till 7:30 pm from Tuesday till Sunday. The last entry is allowed at 6:30 pm. The attraction is closed on every Monday, and also on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.

The only rooftop restaurant at Castel Sant'Angelo is known as Caffetteria Ristorante Le Terrazze and remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM. The restaurant houses a beautiful terrace offering you the spectacular view of the river Tiber and the Vatican City. The family-run restaurant serves several varieties of sandwiches and Italian dishes. You can also drink a cup of hot coffee or sip an Italian wine or a beer along with the scrumptious Italian offerings such as pizza and pasta. Before visiting the restaurant, learn about its operational hours.

The Castel Sant'Angelo bookshop is located in the courtyard of Alexander VI. It offers books as well as materials related to Roman history and heritage. The bookshop’s operating time is similar to Castel St. Angelo opening hours. It is open for the public at 9 am till 7 pm. The shop is open from Tuesday till Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

• If you wish to explore Castel Sant'Angelo comprehensively, you must keep 2 to 3 hours of time in hand. This will give you sufficient time to visit different parts of the castle such as its historicalPope Paul III’s apartment, intriguing dungeons, terraces with captivating views and prisons. You will also have enough time to learn about the castle’s rich history and admire its art and architecture. If you are visiting in the afternoon, you can also enjoy the stunning view of the sunset from the terraces. Start your tour closer to the Castel Sant'Angelo’s opening hours from 9 AM to enjoy a holistic experience of this iconic Roman landmark.