Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian is situated at the other end of Sant'Angelo Bridge, just a few feet from St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It is also referred to as Sant'Angelo Castle and is a special structure because it is simultaneously a museum, an archaeological site, and a monument.

The history of the castle, which is evident and accumulated through the centuries in every nook and cranny, has transformed the structure into an actual museum that also holds a wide variety of treasures amassed at various points in history. These have enhanced a route that was already incredibly evocative.

In 1925, the mausoleum became a museum. It now holds historical and artistic artifacts that may be traced to three main centers, including the papal residences, the fortified castle, and the Roman ruins of the imperial tomb.

The museum also has collections made up of relics found during the excavation of the mausoleum's helicoidal ramp, including sculptures, furniture, weaponry, paintings, and artifacts of varied origins. Other items came from the disbanded Museo Artistico Industriale and the Museo Nazionale Romano of the Baths of Diocletian. Following the exhibits, some people came from the antique market to commemorate the 1911 World's Fair. Additionally, it keeps Italian Army artifacts.

The famed Grand Corridore, also known as the Passetto di Borgo, which connects the Vatican to Saint Angel Castle and is fortified and elevated, is open to visitors at specific periods of the year.

Soldiers defending the castle employed several of these weapons, and numerous popes sought refuge there during perilous times thanks to the Passetto di Borgo, a 13th-century hidden tunnel to the Vatican. The most notable person to hide out here during the 1527 sack of Rome was Pope Clemente VI.

The sumptuous Sala Paolina, which features murals showing scenes from Alexander the Great's life, and other elegant Renaissance interiors can be seen on the top levels of the castle. The terrace, which is two stories high and was made famous by Puccini in his opera Tosca, provides breathtaking views of Rome and is home to a bustling little cafe.