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Expert Review of Castel Sant'Angelo

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Family Review of Castel Sant'Angelo

Away Travel Expert: Christine Loomis

FamilyExpert Rating Recommended for:
Children aged 3 - 5 , 6 - 12 and 13 - 17

FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• This impressive round structure was once a castle--and before that a tomb for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. It was taken over by the Papacy in the 14th century, and a "secret" tunnel links it to the Vatican, giving the popes an escape route. Today, it's a museum and a place to explore.
• Kids will like the winding ramp and the collection of armour and weapons. What's best, however, may be the views from the ramparts, so go up to the top of the Castel and look out--keeping in mind that this is where Tosca in Puccini's opera leapt to her death.
• For older kids and adults, it's interesting to see the papal apartments (including a papal bathroom) and frescoes. The Castel was also once a prison, and you can still see the cramped, dank cells where such notables as sculptor Benvenuto Cellini were held.