Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a monumental tomb for the Emperor Hadrian. Already during the Late Roman Empire it became a stronghold for its size and strategic location to the north of the city, where most of the invasions came from. It was then turned into an impregnable papal fortress during the middle ages and improved all throughout the renaissance times, featuring a large garrison, prisons and papal apartments. This castle is directly connected to the Vatican by the means of a covered passageway called “Passetto di Borgo”. The pope would use this gateway to take refuge in the Castle. The papal apartments were specifically designed to make the pope comfortable during his potential stay in the fortress. The variety of purposes and its continuity of use throughout the centuries makes Castle Sant’Angelo one of the most charming and iconic monuments of the Eternal City. By visiting this place, you can basically enjoy the whole history of Rome, all in one go.