Castel Sant'Angelo Rome

For some unknown reason, we had the best accommodation of the whole Tour for our last two nights which were in a Rome.  The hotel was near to the Vatican but we opted not to go there or to the Colessum as we had visited these on a previous Group tour.

As soon as the coach arrived in Rome, we set off on visiting what we wanted to see.

On the first night we walked to Castel Sant'Angelo that is close to the Vatican and on the banks of the Tiber.  

To quote the website 

"Castel Sant' Angelo

This Fortress was built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian (AD130-139), but it has also been a prison and a papal residence. It was used by former Popes who absconded there for protection in times of danger. There has been a covered passageway which still connects Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican. 

The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo inside retraces its history. The castle has various exhibits ranging from Renaissance paintings and pottery to antique military weapons. A huge spiral ramp ascends upwards the Castel Sant Angelo for about 400 feet. " - and we did walk it - up and down - because you all know how much I love walking- no fear, no pain.  ( That's what I tell my knees)

View of Vatican from top of Castel Sant' Angel

Just a few hundred steps here and there

 And then a few hundred more......

And some of the old trinkets or furnishings that didn't quite fit/ make their way to the new residences:

And then downstairs, there's the bridge of the Angels built around 1666 across the Tiber - 12 massive statues of angels to watch over everyone.

We felt very happy to be in Rome.