Visiting the Capitoline Museums in Rome was a delightful surprise, offering a refreshing departure from the crowds and chaos often associated with other popular attractions in the city. Tucked away atop the Capitoline Hill, this museum complex is a hidden gem, boasting an unparalleled collection of art and artifacts spanning millennia of Roman history.
Originally founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV, the Capitoline Museums are among the oldest public museums in the world. Housed in two grand buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, the museums showcase a diverse array of treasures, including ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and archaeological finds.
What struck me most about the Capitoline Museums was the relative lack of crowds compared to other tourist hotspots in Rome. Despite its rich history and impressive collection, the museums seemed to fly under the radar of many visitors, making for a more intimate and enjoyable experience.
Navigating the museums was a breeze, with no long lines or wait times to contend with. Tickets were readily available for purchase on-site, and the addition of free lockers provided added convenience for visitors.
Exploring the galleries, I was captivated by the wealth of artistic and historical treasures on display. From the iconic statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback to the exquisite frescoes of the Palazzo Nuovo, each exhibit offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Roman civilization.
In addition to its world-class art collection, the Capitoline Museums also offer stunning views of Rome from their elevated perch atop the Capitoline Hill. Taking in the panoramic vistas of the city below was a memorable highlight of my visit, offering a unique perspective on Rome's ancient and modern landscapes.
In conclusion, the Capitoline Museums are a true hidden gem in the heart of Rome, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the city's rich artistic and cultural heritage. With its impressive collection, stunning views, and lack of crowds, it's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Rome's storied past. Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome is like stepping back in time to the days of ancient Rome and the Renaissance. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the castle has served many purposes over the centuries, including as a fortress, residence, and prison.
One of the highlights of a visit to Castel Sant'Angelo is undoubtedly the stunning views it offers of Rome and the Tiber River from its rooftop terrace. From this vantage point, visitors can admire panoramic vistas of the Eternal City, including iconic landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum.
Inside the castle, visitors can explore a series of empty rooms that once served various functions, from living quarters to military barracks. While the lack of artifacts may disappoint some, the castle's rich history and architectural beauty more than make up for it.
One of the most annoying aspects of my visit to Castel Sant'Angelo was the presence of school tours, the crowds were a bit overwhelming at times, but the overall ambiance of the castle is one of fascination and wonder.
For those in need of refreshment during their visit, there is a charming coffee shop inside the castle grounds. Although I didn't have the chance to sample the food or drinks myself, the ambiance was inviting and provided a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing.
Finally, I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and booking tickets in advance to avoid long wait times. While it's possible to purchase tickets on-site, booking ahead ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, Castel Sant'Angelo offers a fascinating journey through the history of Rome, with stunning views, intriguing architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the...
Read moreAmazing castle to visit, a lot of history and a splendid area to see. I really recommend this place. Entry €13 per person is worthy.
Take the metro and stop at Lepanto station. The price of the metro is €1.5.
Have some drinks on the top of the castle and enjoy the view.
Note: come early.... Open Tuesday to Sunday - close on Monday.
Sant'Angelo's Castle, also known as Castel Sant'Angelo, is a magnificent fortress that stands proudly on the banks of the Tiber River, just a stone's throw away from the Vatican City. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the Eternal City.
The castle's origins can be traced back to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who commissioned its construction as a mausoleum for himself and his family in the second century AD. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fortress, a papal residence, and a prison. Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing its fascinating past to visitors from around the world.
Upon entering Sant'Angelo's Castle, I was immediately captivated by the grandeur of its architecture. The cylindrical shape, adorned with intricate sculptures, battlements, and statues, creates an imposing and regal presence. The inner courtyard, with its elegant arches and serene atmosphere, provides a tranquil space to escape the bustling city.
One of the highlights of my visit was ascending to the castle's rooftop terrace. The panoramic views of Rome from this vantage point are simply breathtaking. From the dome of St. Peter's Basilica to the sprawling cityscape, the vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. It's a perfect spot to capture memorable photographs or simply soak in the beauty of the city.
Exploring the interior of the castle is equally rewarding. The museum houses a diverse collection of artwork, historical artifacts, and informative displays that trace the castle's history and its significance to Rome. From ancient Roman sculptures to medieval weapons and Renaissance frescoes, the exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the castle's evolution.
The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the Passetto di Borgo, a secret passage that connects Sant'Angelo's Castle to the Vatican City. Walking through this historic corridor, which played a pivotal role in several papal events, gives a sense of intrigue and connects the visitor to the intertwined histories of the castle and the Vatican.
While the castle itself offers a captivating experience, it's worth noting that some areas of the museum may feel a bit cramped, especially during peak visiting hours. Navigating through the narrow passages and staircases can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Additionally, the lack of detailed signage or audio guides may require some prior research to fully appreciate the historical context.
Despite these minor limitations, Sant'Angelo's Castle remains a must-visit attraction in Rome. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and sweeping views create a memorable experience for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the city's past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply in search of a unique perspective of Rome, Sant'Angelo's Castle will leave an indelible impression on your...
Read moreI had high expectations on visiting the castle, and the castle itself, it's beautiful, amazing views and a good visit but,,, we had a really bad experience.
I had prebook tickets for the 3 of us, including my 10 years old daughter. As we arrived there was a little queue outside, as we joined the queue I asked the people right in front of us if they had prebook the tickets and they said yes, and as it was the only queue and not too long we thought we were right standing there. Like 5 min after that they started to let people in, like quite a few and then we were stopped,but now we are at the front of the queue, so we are next, then I see some people going in straight away without being in the queue and is when I asked the staff, a lady that was standing right in front of us, I said, ; Hello, she answered hello, and I asked, do people without booked tickets go in before the ones with booked tickets?? And she said in a very rude and aggressive way,, are you questioning my job? I was like excuse me? She went mad and said in a very rude way that if I had tickets I didn't have to queue there, she then let us in in a very rude and aggressive way again. We were really shocked and confused with her rudeness and no manners, but wanted to enjoy the visit so we went ahead and started our walk up and were enjoying the place, surrounding and the views. Like in every museum or big place like that staff moves around all the time so we of course found her upstairs again, in one of the rooms.
At the time we saw her there my daughter was of course snacking on some crisps, and that same lady walked to us and said she wasn't allowed to snack in there, ( my bad, because I should have thought of that),my daughter is very well behaved so straight away she was putting the packed away, of course chewing on what she had in her mouth, and the lady was like chasing my daughter and shouting to her dad as her was complaining to her about her aggressive ways again,,,, she was shouting to the 3 of us, so very rude,,, it was all crazy, our daughter was worried and stressed. She kept shouting at us saying ciao, ciao,,,
As we walked in another little room where there was a shop the lady behind the till was sitting there not bother at all watching netflix or youtube,,,,,completely in her world,,, we asked her about a puzzle and it took her a minute to realise we were there,,,
Again, the castle is beautiful, the views at the top are amazing, vatican city right in front of us and the whole city, just beautiful.
We were happy to visit but shocked with the staff rudeness, not all but some, and some not bother about the situation and their colleague shouting at us, including a child.
Train your staff, or just change it as they not happy to work there at all.
The lady knows who she is, that was on Saturday 9th november at around 5pm, she has short hair and glasses. Very rude and aggressive, she seemed ready to fight, just...
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