easy
1.5–2 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking and stair climbing
Step inside Emperor Hadrian’s monumental mausoleum with Touriks’ private journey through Rome’s history, art, and secret passages. Discover panoramic city views and the fortress’s hidden links to the Vatican.
In the heart of Italy’s bustling capital, Touriks offers an immersive private experience centered on one of Rome’s most remarkable yet often overlooked historical gems: Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum, widely known as Castel Sant’Angelo. This fortress, originally constructed as a grand tomb for Hadrian around 139 AD, stands as a rugged testament to Roman architectural ingenuity and imperial ambition. The Englesburg Private Tour walks visitors through its labyrinth of ancient stone corridors, striking frescoes, and vaulted chambers, weaving together centuries of history and artistry. Beyond merely visiting a monument, this tour uncovers the hidden passageways that link the castle directly to the Vatican, a secret route historically used by Popes during times of peril.
From the castle’s upper terraces, the trip grants commanding views over the Tiber River and the sprawling cityscape of Rome, where layers of history converge beneath an ever-changing sky. The robust stone walls, once a mausoleum and later a refugee fortress and papal residence, evoke layers of drama and resilience. Touriks’ private arrangement allows a tailored, unrushed pace, where visitors can pause to inspect intricate sculptures or linger before stunning fresco panels that date back centuries.
Located on the banks of the Tiber, near Piazza Adriana, Castel Sant’Angelo’s position bridges imperial and ecclesiastical Rome, making this tour a must for those eager to deepen their understanding of how Rome’s physical landscape mirrors its vibrant history. Touriks stands out by combining intimate group sizes with rich storytelling, connecting the dots between architecture, history, and the city's evolving nature.
For travelers looking to connect deeply with Rome’s past beyond typical tourist routes, the Englesburg Private Tour delivers a unique blend of cultural insight and spectacle—anchored by one of the city’s most formidable structures.
Expect uneven stone floors and stairways throughout the castle.
The panoramic terraces offer superb photo opportunities of Rome’s skyline.
Some areas involve narrow stairs and may not be suitable for limited mobility.
Private tours have limited slots and fill quickly, especially in high tourist seasons.
Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum around 139 AD and later transformed into a papal fortress with secret corridors.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve frescoes and masonry while managing high foot traffic to protect this ancient structure.
Needed for stone floors and staircases inside the mausoleum.
Stay hydrated during warm months while touring.
summer specific
Useful for cool spring mornings and evenings.
spring specific
To capture sweeping city views from the terrace.