From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Ekaterina James

Ekaterina

Jan 2026

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Smooth transaction, clear instructions, e-tickets. Beautiful castle, great to be without tour guide , fabulous views from the castle!
Alexander Quiros Oviedo
CR

Alexander

Costa Rica
Jan 2026

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Easy way to arrived and it's an amazing place where you can learn about the castle and of course the view to the Vatican and the river
Areti Skondra
GR

Areti

Greece
Jan 2026

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It was a lifetime experience. So many people, so many exhibits to see, so well organised. An unforgettable experience honestly.
IGNATIOS RAFAIL TZANNIDIS
GR

Ignatios

Greece
Jan 2026

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Amazing experience overall. A slight for sore eyes. It was easy to skip the line and visit the museums and the chapel. I will remember it forever!
Victor Manuel Leiva
ES

Victor

Spain
Jan 2026

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+1 more

The access and attraction itself were perfect. I didn't give it 5 stars because the host didn't show up at the meeting point and I had to contact them to find out what was going on. Once I called, they arrived within 5 minutes.
Ruby Irish Deauna Merjilla
US

Ruby

United States
Jan 2026

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It is the most beautiful Basilica that I've seen. I love how fast we got in thru the skip the line ticket we purchased. When we got inside, it is just breathtaking. I am Filipino and to see San Pedro Calungsod made me really proud and happy. And to top it off I was able to participate in confession, might be nothing for most bit to me it is an experience I will never forget and for that I am very thankful.
Kelsey Keating
GB

Kelsey

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

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The shear beauty and magnitude of the building and really it was walking up the steps that brought me this moment of awe.
MARIA VICTORIA VAZQUEZ BOZA
ES

Maria

Spain
Jan 2026

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The host was very easy to find, and there were no lines at the entrance. The pantheon is impressive; it's a place you can't miss if you come to Rome.


What is Passetto di Borgo?

Passetto di Borgo is an 800-meter passage linking Vatican City to Castel Sant'Angelo. In 1277, Pope Nicholas III commissioned the passage as part of Rome’s medieval and Renaissance fortifications. Due to its fortified and hidden structure, it was used by popes as an escape route in times of danger. Today, the Passetto stands as a remarkable testament to the strategic foresight of the papacy and the turbulent history of medieval Rome.

How to access the passage?

Passetto di Borgo is a secret passageway connecting Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican castle. You can visit the corridor by buying tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo that provide exclusive access to the corridor.

The passageway has two entrances on the two ends of the attractions. To reach the corridor from Castel Sant’Angelo, you can enter through the Bastion of San Marco located in the northwest corner of the fortress. At St. Peter’s Basilica, you can access the passage’s entrance right behind the famous Bernini’s colonnade.

Step inside a space once closed to the world!

The Passetto di Borgo is no longer off-limits. Recently opened through limited experiences, this secret papal passage adds exclusivity, depth, and intrigue to your Castel Sant’Angelo visit.

Passetto di Borgo connecting to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, with Italian flag above.

Things to know before booking Passetto di Borgo tickets

  • Not all Castel Sant’Angelo tickets include access to the secret passage, so be sure to select a ticket that specifically grants entry to the corridor.
  • You can upgrade your experience to include an expert-led visit, offering deeper insight into the passage’s long standing history, legends, and hidden details.
  • A combo with St. Peter’s Basilica lets you explore the full arc of papal history, from the tomb of St. Peter to the frescoed papal fortress, connected by the passage in one cost-effective booking.
  • Please note that standard Passetto di Borgo tours are not wheelchair accessible.

Why visit Passetto di Borgo?

Passetto di Borgo - Castel Sant'Angelo - view from top
  • Newly restored and reopened: After six years of restoration, the Passetto di Borgo is finally open to the public again. The once-hidden route now features museum exhibits, a restored trapdoor, and a new lighting system that reveals details previously lost in the dark.
  • Legacy of 1900 years of defense: Built atop the 9th-century Leonine Wall, the corridor features thick stone walls and military stations once used by guards to monitor movement in the Borgo district. Its strategic location due its elevated design helped the guards suppress riots in the city.
  • Walk the path of popes: You can walk the same route that was once taken by Pope Clement VII during Sack of Rome in 1527. He fled through the passage into the securities of Castel Sant’Angelo from the Apostolic Palace.
  • Photography spots: The open-air part of the corridor offers contrasting panoramic views—with historic architecture of the Vatican on one side and modern cityscape of Rome on the other. You can click scenic photos here!
  • Literary connection: Fans of Dan Brown's Angels & Demons will love the chance to see a real location from the novel, adding a layer of intrigue for visitors.

Your Passetto di Borgo ticket types explained

Ticket typeIs Passetto access included?Why go for it?Starting priceRecommended tickets

Timed Entry

✅ Yes

Self-paced & relaxed exploration

€22Entry tickets

Guided Tour

✅ Yes

Immersive, in-depth visit

€38.90Guided tour

Castel Sant’Angelo + Passetto di Borgo + St. Peter’s Basilica

✅ Yes

Top experiences in one go; cost-effective & hassle-free booking

€31Combo tour

What's to see inside?

Museum exhibits

At the Bastion of San Marco, sculpture groups by Giovanni Prini and a marble effigy of Pope Paul IV can be found in its museum exhibits.

Dual-level pathways

You can explore both upper (open air) and lower (enclosed) levels of the route with the former providing a scenic panoramic view of Rome.

Strategic watchtowers

The route has watchtowers built for surveillance purposes providing strategic advantage to the army.

Pope Alexander VI’s coat of arms

You can take a look at the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VI displayed on the inner wall of Passetto di Borgo.

The story behind the corridor

In response to the Saracen raid of 844, Pope Leo IV built a defensive wall around St. Peter’s Basilica, known as the Mura Leonine. The fortified area became known as Civitas Leoniana.

In 1277, Pope Nicholas III converted an 800-meter stretch of this wall into a secure, elevated passage linking the Apostolic Palace to Castel Sant’Angelo—this became the Passetto di Borgo.

In the late 15th century, Pope Alexander VI reinforced the corridor by raising the wall and adding a second rampart above it, strengthening its role as an escape route and military structure. These upgrades gave the Passetto much of its current appearance and defensive features.

Learn about Castel Sant'Angelo's history

Holy escapes: Popes who took the passage

Pope Alexander VI

In 1494, as Charles VIII of France entered Italy with a powerful army, his rapid approach toward Rome sent shockwaves through the city. Fearing for his safety, Pope Alexander VI made a dramatic escape through the Passetto di Borgo, the hidden corridor linking the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Shielded from public view, the elevated passage allowed him to slip away undetected and take refuge in the heavily fortified castle. This event underscored the strategic importance of the Passetto as a secret lifeline for the papacy during times of invasion and unrest.

Pope Clement VII

In 1527, during the Sack of Rome, Pope Clement VII fled through the Passetto di Borgo to Castel Sant'Angelo as the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V invaded the city. Trapped in the castle for seven months, he witnessed the city’s devastation while the Swiss Guard bravely fought to protect him. Most of the Guard were massacred, their sacrifice ensuring Clement VII's survival and solidifying the Passetto's place in history as a symbol of papal resilience.

Know before you go

Castel Sant'Angelo with Passetto di Borgo walkway in Rome, Italy.

Thursday to Sunday: 9am to 7:30pm
Closed on: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Last admission: 6:30pm

While specific daily schedules can vary, tours are generally offered during the daytime. It's advisable to check the latest timings and availability while booking your tickets.

Address: Viale Giuseppe Ceccarelli, 00193 Rome RM, Italy

Getting there

  • By bus: Line 40
    Closest bus stop: Risorgimento/Porta Angelica, 3-minute walk
  • By metro: Line A
    Closest station: Ottaviano, 4-minute walk
Entrance to Passetto di Borgo

The passage has two entrances, one from the San Marco Bastion of Castel Sant'Angelo and another near the Piazza della Città Leonina, just outside St. Peter’s Square, adjacent to the Vatican Walls. Make sure to check which entrance you need to report to for your tour.

Disabled access at Castle Sant Angelo
  • Restrooms: Within the passage there are no restrooms. However, in the fortress you may find restrooms on the lower levels and in the cafe at the terrace.
  • Disabled access: Although elevators have been installed in the passage, only certain assisted tours provide wheelchair access.
https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/5be877b3f034a0af7c136d8a6ce525f8-Food-prohibited.jpg?auto=format&w=1222.3999999999999&h=687.6&q=90&ar=16%3A9&crop=faces&fit=crop
  • Food and Beverages: Eating and drinking are not permitted within the passageway. It's recommended to dine before or after the tour.
  • Photography: While photography is generally allowed, flash photography may be restricted to preserve the artifacts and structure.

Frequently asked questions about Passetto di Borgo tickets

Yes, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, as they are in high demand and have limited slots.

More reads

Plan your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo

Inside Castel Sant’Angelo

Guided tours of Castel Sant’Angelo