St. Peter Basilica, Passetto di Borgo & Castel Sant'Angelo entry

Rome , Italy

St. Peter Basilica, Passetto di Borgo & Castel Sant'Angelo entry

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover three of Rome and the Vatican’s most iconic landmarks in one unforgettable experience: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Passetto di Borgo, and Castel Sant’Angelo. With reserved entry, skip the long lines and enjoy smooth access with on-site assistance from professional staff.

Explore the Vatican’s spiritual heart inside the Basilica, admiring Michelangelo’s Pietà and the majestic Dome. Walk the hidden Passetto di Borgo, the secret corridor linking the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo—usually closed to the public.

End your visit inside the impressive Castel Sant’Angelo, once a papal refuge and now a museum with breathtaking views over Rome and the Tiber River. A must-do for lovers of history, art, and European cultural heritage.

Available options

St. Peter Basilica, Passetto di Borgo & Castel Sant'Angelo entry

What's included

Reserved Entrance to Castel Sant'Angelo

Touristation Assistance to the St. Peter's Basilica

Audioguide for the St. Peter's Basilica

Reserved Entrance to the Papal Secret Passage

Reserved Entrance to the St. Peter's Basilica (not a guided tour)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Step inside the spiritual heart of the Catholic world and marvel at one of the most important religious structures on Earth.
Designed by some of history’s greatest architects—including Michelangelo and Bernini—the Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque art.

Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, a moving sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Christ’s body, and gaze upward at the spectacular dome, an engineering marvel that dominates Rome’s skyline.
The majestic baldachin by Bernini, towering above the Papal Altar, will leave you breathless with its grandeur and symbolism.

Venture through the Passetto di Borgo, a 13th-century elevated passageway hidden in plain sight.
This secret corridor connects the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo and was historically used by popes to escape danger during times of siege or political unrest.

Rarely open to the public, walking this atmospheric route offers a unique and exclusive glimpse into the secret world of papal Rome, surrounded by towering stone walls that have stood for centuries.

Stop 3

Conclude your journey at Castel Sant’Angelo, a monumental fortress with a story that spans nearly 2,000 years.
Originally built as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, the structure later became a medieval stronghold, a papal residence, a prison, and now one of Rome’s most captivating museums.
Inside, explore lavish papal apartments, ancient weaponry, Renaissance frescoes, and mysterious underground chambers.

Don’t miss the panoramic terrace, offering breathtaking views over the Eternal City and the Tiber River—a perfect ending to a journey through Rome’s sacred and imperial past

What's not included

Guided Tour

Transfer from/to the Hotel

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that the meeting point is at Piazza Risorgimento, at the Touristation kiosk (in front of the Foot Locker store). You will be assisted upon arrival and provided with all the necessary information for your visit.

Please note that entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to security checks, which may take longer during high season, special events, or religious celebrations.

However, with reserved access, you’ll have priority over the general line, making your entry smoother and faster.

⚠️ Kindly note: This is not a guided tour, but includes reserved entry with on-site assistance. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Basilica, as it is a sacred site. It is mandatory to bring a valid ID or passport for each participant.

All relevant details regarding your Passetto di Borgo and Castel San'Angelo entrances will be provided at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please note that the meeting point is at Piazza Risorgimento, at the Touristation kiosk (in front of the Foot Locker store). Arrive on time; early arrival is not necessary.

Important notes

Please note that the meeting point is at Piazza Risorgimento, at the Touristation kiosk (in front of the Foot Locker store).

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots