Loving Rome · Main entrance, Lungotevere Castello
A live guide takes you from Hadrian's tomb to the papal rooms, up to the terrace on the Tiber. It is the most chosen tour of the castle, and according to the listing it also enters areas usually closed to the public.
It is the most booked guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo on GetYourGuide: 4.7 out of 5 with 1,885 reviews, from $65 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. The price includes the entrance ticket, the guide and headsets when needed. The meeting point is in front of the main entrance on Lungotevere Castello, where a host holds up a flag reading Loving Rome.
The route crosses the three castles that stand one inside the other: the tomb that Hadrian had built for himself and his family in the 2nd century AD, completed in AD 139, then the fortress with the prisons, then the papal apartments. According to the listing, the guide also opens areas usually closed to the public, such as the Olearie, the historic prisons and the theatre of Clement VII. It ends on the terrace, with St Peter's in front.
The listing indicates from one to two hours: reviews mention both one hour exactly and two full hours. To reach the terrace you climb many stairs, and the listing says the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Latecomers are not admitted or refunded. Open rooms may change: since December 2024, the museum's works sometimes alter the ground-floor route.
In front of the main entrance on Lungotevere Castello, look for the Loving Rome flag. Have your ID ready: the names on the booking must match those on the passport or ID card.
The tour starts at the mausoleum. The guide explains why the emperor wanted it by the Tiber and where his burial was, as you climb the Roman ramp.
Then the fortress: according to the listing, the Olearie, the historic prisons and Clemente VII's theatre. Benvenuto Cellini was also imprisoned in the castle's cells and in 1538 managed to escape.
The papal apartment and the Treasure Room. Here the castle changes face: decorated ceilings, frescoes, the luxury of the time of Paul III Farnese.
The last stairs lead to the terrace under the bronze archangel, with views of St Peter's, the river and the rooftops of the centre. According to reviews, there is also some free time at the end.
★★★★★The tour was fantastic! Alec is an exceptional guide: very knowledgeable, interesting and really fun.
★★★★★Virginia was extraordinary. With all she knows, she brought the castle to life. And she was also very friendly.
★★★★★The tour was excellent. Our guide, Cecilia, knew the subject incredibly well. She answered our questions with great professionalism [...] My husband and I learned a lot and really had fun.
★★★★★This tour was fantastic! Very informative, with a lovely guide. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we had a great time despite the heat!
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From one to two hours, according to the listing. The castle alone usually takes one and a half to two hours: with a guide you follow the route without looking for the way.
Yes: the price includes the ticket, the guide and headsets if needed. The official full ticket costs €18 from 1 July 2026 and is free under 18. All rates are in the ticket guide.
According to the listing, yes: the Olearie, the historic prisons and Clemente VII's theatre, as well as the emperor's burial, the papal apartment and the Treasure Room. The museum has ongoing works, so some rooms may change from day to day.
In front of the main entrance on Lungotevere Castello, with the Loving Rome flag. Latecomers are not admitted. The nearest metro is Lepanto, on line A: all in the how to get there guide.
Ready to book
A live guide from Hadrian’s tomb to the papal rooms and the terrace, ticket included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
2-hour guided tourTwo hours with the guide, reserved entry and headsets: Hadrian's tomb, papal frescoes and terrace, with the highest rating.★ 4.8 · 2 hours · from $55
Small-group guided tourTwo hours with the guide in a small group, ticket included: spiral ramp, cells, papal rooms, armoury and terrace.★ 4.7 · 2 hours · from $72
Ticket with digital audio guideTicket and audio guide on app in 8 languages, with staff assistance at the entrance: the castle at your own pace, up to the terrace.★ 4.6 · 2 hours · from $20