Travel Is Back : Travel Fast, Travel Smart, 10-Minute Travel Tips

141. Italy - Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo

Italy Tours Johnny Mac recommends: vi.me/VBRoA

Discover Rome's most fascinating fortress with Journey Joe! From Emperor Hadrian's tomb to the Pope's secret escape route, explore the incredible Castel Sant'Angelo. Get insider photography tips for stunning sunset shots, learn about the castle's wildest historical moments (including the infamous Cadaver Synod!), and find the best spots for breathtaking views of Rome. Our show notes include links to recommended tours that access normally restricted areas. Don't miss this ultimate guide to Rome's castle on the Tiber!"

The Italy series begins with episode 140.

TOURS: https://selector.viator.com/wishlist/Italy/W-51199040-93ee-4075-953c-3affdd67355d

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Duration:: 15m
Broadcast on:: 06 Nov 2024
Audio Format:: other

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We're talking about a fortress that's been everything from an emperor's tomb to a Pope's panic room, and it's got some of the best views in Rome. Let's start with the basics. Castel Santangelo sits right on the Tiber River, and it's connected to Vatican City by a famous hidden corridor. More about that fascinating escape route in a minute. You can easily reach it by taking the Metro to Lepanto Station and walking about 10 minutes, or just stroll along the river from St. Peter's Square. The castle is impossible to miss. Just look for the massive circular fortress with an angel on top. A quick heads up before we dive in. If you want to make the most of your visit, check out the guided tours we recommend in our show notes. I took one myself, and let me tell you, having someone explain the castle's many layers of history makes a huge difference. You'll get access to areas that are usually closed to the public, and the stories really bring the place to life. Now here's what makes this place so special. It wasn't always a castle. It started life as a tomb. Back in 123 A.D., Emperor Hadrian, yes, the same guy who built that famous wall in Britain, decided he needed an impressive final resting place. He designed this massive cylindrical tomb, and when I say massive, I mean it. The original structure was about 295 feet in diameter, and stood on a square base about 344 feet wide on each side. That's bigger than a football field. But here's where it gets interesting. Over the centuries, this tomb transformed into something completely different. As Rome faced invasions and threats, the building's solid structure made it perfect for defense. The popes converted it into a fortress in the sixth century, and then they kept adding to it for hundreds of years. One of the coolest features, and this is something straight out of a movie, is the Passeto de Borgo, a secret elevated corridor that connects the castle to Vatican City. Picture this, it's 1527, Rome is under attack, and Pope Clement VII needs to escape. He uses this exact corridor to flee from the Vatican to the safety of Castel Santangelo. The corridor still exists today, and while it's usually closed to the public, some special tours, like the ones we recommend in our show notes, can get you access. The castle is divided into five main levels, and each one tells a different part of its story. Let me walk you through them. Starting at the bottom, you'll find the ancient Roman remains. There's this incredible spiral ramp that winds up through the building, the same ramp that was used to transport Hadrian's ashes to the top of the monument nearly 2,000 years ago. The engineering is remarkable, and it's mind-blowing to think about how they built this without modern technology. Moving up, you'll reach the prison level, and this is where things get a bit spooky. The castle served as a prison for centuries, and you can still see the cells. Some famous prisoners were held here, including the artist Ben Venuto Chalini, who claimed he escaped by using bed sheets to climb down the walls. Whether that's true or not, it makes for a great story. The next level up shows off the castle's military history. You'll see huge ramparts and massive walls designed to withstand cannon fire. The views of Rome start getting good from here, but trust me, they get even better as you go higher. Now we're getting to the fancy part. The papal apartments are decorated with stunning Renaissance frescoes. These rooms are where the popes would stay when they needed the castle's protection. The artwork here is incredible. There are frescoes by Raphael's students and other renowned artists of the period. One room that always catches visitors by surprise is the papal bathroom. It's decorated as elaborately as any other room. Finally, you reach the top level, and wow, what a payoff. The terrace offers a 360-degree view of Rome that will take your breath away. You can see St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, and the whole city spread out before you. There's also a café up here, and I highly recommend taking a break to enjoy a coffee or cold drink while soaking in the view. It's especially beautiful at sunset. Speaking of the top level, let's talk about that angel on the roof. The bronze statue you see today is the fifth version of the angel to grace the castle's summit. According to legend, in 590 AD, the arch angel Michael appeared on top of the castle, sheathing his sword to signal the end of a terrible plague. That's how the building got its name, Castel Santangelo, or Castle of the Holy Angel. Now let me share some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit. The best time to visit is either early morning or late afternoon. I recommend late afternoon because you can time it to catch the sunset from the terrace. Just check the sunset time and plan to be at the top about 30 minutes before. The lighting is perfect for photos, and watching the sunset behind St. Peter's Basilica is unforgettable. While you can buy tickets at the entrance, I strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. And seriously, consider taking one of the guided tours we linked to in our show notes. The castle has so many hidden corners and secret passages that you'll miss without a guide. Plus, some areas are only accessible with a guide. Bring your camera or make sure your phone is charged. The photo opportunities here are incredible. The best shots are from the bridge leading to the castle, Pontes Santangelo, and from the top terrace. Those Baroque angels on the bridge were designed by Bernini, and they're gorgeous at any time of day. There's quite a bit of climbing involved in visiting the castle. While there is an elevator that serves some levels, to really explore everything you'll need to climb stairs and walk up some steep ramps. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time. There's no rush. The castle's location makes it perfect for combining with other sites. You're just a short walk from Vatican City, and the charming Borgo neighborhood is right there. After your visit, I recommend walking across the bridge and exploring the narrow streets of the historic center. There are some great restaurants in the area where you can rest and refuel. Don't rush across Pontes Santangelo, the bridge leading to the castle. Those Baroque angels I mentioned earlier, each one holds an instrument of Christ's passion, and they tell a story. This bridge has been called the most beautiful in Rome, and spending some time here, especially around sunset, is magical. There's a cafe on the terrace level with decent coffee and snacks, but you'll find better food options outside the castle. The Borgo area has some excellent restaurants, and I've got a few recommendations. Look for the small family-run places on the side streets, rather than the tourist spots on the main drag. At Sprouts Farmers Market, we're all about fresh, healthy, and delicious. Step into our bulk department to scoop up as much as you like from hundreds of bins filled with wholesome grains and limited-time goodies. Visit your neighborhood Sprouts Farmers Market today, where flavor fills every scoop. It can get lonely climbing Mount McKinley, so to entertain myself, I go to ChumbaCasino.com. At ChumbaCasino, I can play hundreds of online casino-style games for free, like online slots, bingo, slingo, and more. Plus, I get a daily login bonus. It's just too bad that up here, I don't have anyone to share my excitement with. Black Friday is coming, and for the adults in your life who love the coolest toys, well, there's something for them this year too. 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Early morning, around 7, 8 a.m., is perfect for photographing the bridge and castle exterior. The light hits the angels just right, and there are fewer people around. For the classic castle reflection shot, head to the opposite bank of the tiger just before sunset. The best spot for capturing the whole castle is actually from the Umberto Y bridge to the south. You get the castle, the angel bridge, and often beautiful cloud formations behind them. Interior photography. The spiral ramp has fascinating light patterns. Try photographing straight up for an abstract architectural shot. In the papal apartments, look for the ceiling details. The morning light through the windows creates beautiful patterns. The prison cells have dramatic lighting. If you have a phone with night mode, this is the place to use it. Terrace shots. For St. Peter's Basilica photos, the best spot is the northwest corner of the terrace. Time your visit for blue hour, just after sunset. When the city lights come on, but there's still some color in the sky. If you're using a smartphone, use the HDR mode for terrace shots to balance the bright sky with the darker buildings. The castle walls are thick, so light changes dramatically as you move through rooms. Adjust your exposure accordingly. If your camera or phone has a wide-angle lens, bring it. The narrow corridors and large rooms both benefit from wide shots. Let me share some fascinating events that happened right here at Castell San Angelo. In 1277, the castle proved its worth as a fortress, when a rival noble family, the Orsini, attempted to seize it. The defending forces actually poured molten lead down on the attackers from those same ramparts you can walk on today. During the Renaissance, the castle wasn't just a fortress. It was also a place of luxury and entertainment. Pope Leo the Sax, the great Medici Pope, hosted elaborate banquets here, including one famous feast where golden plates were deliberately thrown into the tiber after each course, though secretly nets below the windows caught them for reuse. The castle also has a darker side to its history. In 1606, the famous painter Caravaggio fled to the castle after killing a man in a duel. He wasn't granted refuge, but the incident shows how the castle remained a powerful symbol of authority even in later centuries. As we wrap up our tour of Castell San Angelo, I hope you're getting excited about visiting this amazing piece of history. It's more than just a castle. It's a journey through nearly 2,000 years of Rome's history, from ancient tomb to medieval fortress to Renaissance palace, all crowned with one of the best views in the city. Remember to check out the recommended tours in our show notes. They really do make a difference in experiencing this incredible place. 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