Plan Your Visit
Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome — Tickets, Hours and Access
Castel Sant'Angelo sits on the right bank of the Tiber, a ten-minute walk from St Peter's Square. Tickets start at 16 euros, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and the average visit lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. Below, everything you need to know before going, verified against the official sources of CoopCulture and the Direzione Musei Nazionali di Roma.
Key information at a glance
Practical information
Tickets and Prices
General admission 16 euros, reduced 2 euros for EU citizens 18-25, free under 18. Skip-the-line options and Roma Pass explained.
Read moreOpening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, last admission 6:30 PM. Closed Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th.
Read moreHow to Get There
Metro Line A (Lepanto or Ottaviano-San Pietro), multiple bus lines, and walking routes from the Vatican and Piazza Navona.
Read moreAccessibility
Elevator access available. Some historic areas have architectural barriers. Detailed accessibility notes for visitors with mobility needs.
Read moreWhen is the best time to visit?
Early morning, just after opening at 9:00 AM, and late afternoon after 4:00 PM are the quietest times. Weekdays outside Italian school holidays are far less crowded than weekends.
For the best photography and the most memorable view of Rome, aim for the terrace one hour before sunset. The golden light across the Tiber, over the Baroque domes of the historic center and St Peter's dome, is one of the great sights of the city.
Avoid the first Sunday of the month unless free entry is your priority: the Domenica al Museo initiative brings long queues. If possible, also avoid the week around Easter and the second half of August, when Rome is at its most crowded.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Castel Sant'Angelo?
General admission to Castel Sant'Angelo is 16 euros. Reduced admission for EU citizens aged 18 to 25 is 2 euros. Visitors under 18 enter free. Entry is also free on the first Sunday of every month as part of the Italian Domenica al Museo initiative, and on select national holidays. Skip-the-line tickets from third-party platforms typically cost 18 to 25 euros.
What are the opening hours of Castel Sant'Angelo?
Castel Sant'Angelo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission at 6:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th. The ticket office closes one hour before the museum.
How do I get to Castel Sant'Angelo from the Vatican?
Castel Sant'Angelo is a 10-minute walk from St Peter's Square. Follow Via della Conciliazione east toward the Tiber, then cross Ponte Sant'Angelo. Alternatively, the Passetto di Borgo, the elevated corridor once used by popes, connects the Vatican directly to the castle, though it is only accessible as part of a specific guided tour.
Is Castel Sant'Angelo accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Accessibility at Castel Sant'Angelo is partial. An elevator is available for visitors who require it, and staff can assist with access. However, some historic areas have uneven floors, narrow passageways, and architectural barriers typical of a 2nd-century monument.
When is the best time to visit Castel Sant'Angelo?
The best time to visit Castel Sant'Angelo is early morning (9:00 to 10:30 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM), when it is quietest. Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. The rooftop terrace is particularly beautiful at sunset, when visitors get both the daytime view of Rome and the golden hour light over the Tiber.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for Castel Sant'Angelo?
Booking tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo in advance is not mandatory but strongly recommended on weekends, during summer, and on Italian holidays. Skip-the-line tickets bought through official platforms guarantee entry without queuing.
Prefer to book a guided tour?
Skip-the-line entries, guided visits, and combination tours with the Vatican or the Passetto di Borgo are available through GetYourGuide at their listed prices with no markup.
See all tours and ticketsAbout this page
Edited by Gabriel G, a Google Maps Local Guide (Level 8) who has contributed reviews, photos, and corrections to Rome's cultural heritage sites over several years. Photography by Gabriel G (2025) and Andreas Tille (2004, via Wikimedia Commons).
All visitor information is verified against CoopCulture (the official ticket concessionaire of Castel Sant'Angelo), the Direzione Musei Nazionali di Roma (dmnrm), and the Italian Ministry of Culture. Prices and opening hours are re-verified monthly.
Last verified: April 20, 2026.