One of Rome’s most fascinating historical relics was recently reopened to the public after a long six-year hiatus: the secret passage of the popes, known as the Passetto di Borgo. This unique and mysterious connection, linking Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican, has been carefully restored and is now accessible through guided tours, both daytime and nighttime. The Passetto has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the 13th century, offering one of the most immersive experiences for those wishing to explore the more secret and fascinating side of Rome.
The Passetto di Borgo, approximately 800 meters long, was originally designed as an emergency secret passage for the popes, allowing them to move safely between Castel Sant’Angelo, a military fortress and papal palace, and the Vatican. The passage was essential in times of crisis, serving as a strategic escape route during periods of danger and attacks on the city. Over the centuries, the Passetto has been the scene of dramatic historical events, always tied to the safety of the popes and the fate of the Catholic Church. After the restoration work, visitors can now relive the history of these moments and walk the same path the popes took to ensure their protection.
The entrance to the Passetto is located at Piazza della Città Leonina, in the heart of the Vatican, and leads to the Bastione San Marco in Castel Sant’Angelo. The journey is divided into two levels: an upper, open-air level offering stunning panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican, and a lower, covered level that retains the aura of mystery and secrecy that made it one of the most intriguing passages in the city. The upper level is especially enchanting, as it provides a privileged perspective of the Eternal City, allowing visitors to contemplate the vast expanse of monuments, squares, and historic buildings that make up the backdrop of Rome. The view of the Vatican, with the imposing dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, is breathtaking.
However, the true fascination of the Passetto is revealed on the lower level, where the covered, dark, and silent atmosphere recalls the time when the popes used this corridor to escape external threats. This subterranean stretch is where the true history of the secret passage unfolds. The site maintains its character as a place of security and refuge, preserving elements of medieval architecture that contribute to its mystery. As visitors walk along this path, they are immersed in an atmosphere of secrecy and history, evoking the tension of the critical moments faced by the Church and the papacy throughout the centuries.
At the end of the journey, visitors reach the Bastione San Marco, where they can explore a permanent exhibition telling the story of the Passetto and Castel Sant’Angelo. The exhibition features a collection of historical artifacts, including personal items of the popes, ancient documents, and works of art that narrate the battles, escapes, and political events tied to Castel Sant’Angelo and its famous secret passage. Each item in the exhibition plays a key role in uncovering the past of this iconic location, helping visitors understand the complexity of the history that unfolded there.
Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built in the 2nd century as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, has a history as rich as the Passetto. With its strategic location along the Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo has been transformed over the centuries, evolving from an imperial tomb to a military fortress, papal residence, prison, and even a luxurious palace. In 1277, during the papacy of Nicholas III, the secret passage was constructed as a security measure to ensure that the popes could quickly seek refuge in times of war or threat.
Castel Sant’Angelo, which also serves as a museum, offers visitors a journey through its multifaceted history. Highlights include the halls of Hadrian’s mausoleum, prison cells, papal apartments, and panoramic terraces. The fortress has also been immortalized in popular films, such as 007 – Spectre, Angels and Demons, and Roman Holiday, which helped solidify its status as one of Rome’s most iconic locations. For those seeking a deeper immersion, guided tours conducted by archaeologists and art historians offer a detailed experience, sharing stories that date back to the popes, the battles fought at the site, and the evolution of Castel Sant’Angelo over the centuries.
Today, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Passetto di Borgo are considered some of the greatest testimonies to Roman history, with an appeal that goes far beyond history enthusiasts. The visits offer a rare opportunity to experience medieval and papal Rome in a unique way, as few locations in the city can provide. The experience of walking through the Passetto, with its atmosphere filled with history and mystery, is unforgettable.
Visits to the Passetto are available in three distinct formats: a daytime visit solely to the Passetto di Borgo, a daytime visit that also includes Castel Sant’Angelo, and a special nighttime visit, where the group walks both the Passetto and the fortress, completely closed to the public, creating an exclusive and almost supernatural experience. Guided tours are limited to 25 people per group to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience. Tickets start at 16 euros and can be purchased online.
Additionally, the Directorate General for Museums of Italy announced that over the next three years, there will be a series of improvements and further restorations to the Passetto and Castel Sant’Angelo, thanks to a 2.5 million euro funding. These improvements aim to further preserve this historical heritage and enhance the visitor experience, allowing the Passetto to continue to charm and educate future generations.
In summary, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Passetto di Borgo offer a unique opportunity to travel back in time and explore one of Rome’s most secret and fascinating passages. With its rich history filled with mysteries, these locations are true jewels of Roman heritage, continuing to captivate tourists from around the world with an unforgettable experience that combines history, art, and intrigue.
The reopening of the Passetto di Borgo not only offers visitors a new way to explore the history of Rome but also recovers a crucial piece of the city’s medieval and papal past. This secret passage, which for centuries served as a safe refuge for the popes, now allows everyone to understand its strategic and symbolic importance through a unique experience that blends art, history, and mystery. Castel Sant’Angelo, with its imposing presence along the Tiber River, complements this journey, telling its own story of transformations over the centuries, from imperial mausoleum to military fortress and papal residence.
The guided tours, now more accessible thanks to the investments and restoration of the Passetto, provide a true immersion in the events that shaped the city of Rome and the Catholic Church. The exclusivity of the nighttime tours, access to the covered level of the secret passage, and the exhibitions detailing the history of Castel Sant’Angelo make this experience even more unforgettable. With the promise of new investments and improvements, the Passetto and Castel Sant’Angelo will continue to be an unmissable destination for history, culture, and architecture enthusiasts, offering a deep and revealing look into the secrets of Rome and its legacy.
Therefore, by walking through this secret passage, visitors not only discover an important chapter of Rome’s history but also connect with the very essence of the city, which continues to fascinate and inspire generations of explorers and curious minds. The Passetto di Borgo and Castel Sant’Angelo are timeless witnesses to the grandeur of Rome and remain, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and enriching destinations the city has to offer.
