A Secret Passage Through Time: The Unforgettable Magic of the Passetto di Borgo

An exclusive night tour between Saint Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo that feels like stepping into history’s hidden heartbeat

As I’ve mentioned more than once on this blog, there are certain places in Rome that, for some mysterious reason, remain stubbornly unchecked on your must-see list. You know they're there. You’ve walked past them, read about them, imagined visiting them. And yet, somehow, you never quite make it—until suddenly, the stars align.

That’s exactly what happened to me last night with the Passetto di Borgo (anyway, it has only recently reopened to visitors).

After ages of telling myself “next time,” I finally went ahead and booked the tour. And as it sometimes happens, the conditions were just perfect for something truly unforgettable: a balmy Roman evening, a tiny group of just three people (yes, including me!), and a guide so passionate and engaging that it felt like a private tour. But what made it extraordinary was not just the setting—it was where we were.

The Passetto di Borgo is a fortified, elevated corridor that connects the Vatican (Saint Peter’s Basilica) to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Built in the late 13th century, it served as an escape route for popes in times of danger—most famously used by Pope Clement VII during the sack of Rome in 1527. Walking through it, you can still feel that sense of urgency, secrecy, and historical gravity. The narrow stone walls have seen centuries of whispers and footsteps.

But the real wow moment comes when you exit the covered section and suddenly emerge into open air. In that instant, the view takes your breath away: on one side, the dome of Saint Peter’s glows quietly under the evening sky; on the other, the imposing silhouette of Castel Sant’Angelo looms above the Tiber.

That contrast—so grand, so close, so charged with centuries of history—is absolutely spine-tingling.

From the Passetto, you enter Castel Sant’Angelo through the Bastione San Marco, gaining access to a part of the fortress that continues the visit partly outdoors and partly indoors, offering breathtaking and often unexpected perspectives.

Abosulutely stunning!

The combination of ancient stone, open skies, and perfectly framed views makes every step a visual delight.

And the magic doesn’t stop there. The final part of the experience is stepping out of Castel Sant’Angelo itself, through the main entrance, directly onto Ponte Sant’Angelo, now softly lit and serenely empty under the stars. It’s like exiting a dream, back into the city—but a city forever changed by what you’ve just seen.

As I often say (and really, it’s not my fault—Rome is just overflowing with marvels!), this is a must-do experience. If you can, go at night: the silence, the lights, the shadows—everything conspires to create a deeply emotional, almost cinematic journey.

To book your visit, just search “Passetto di Borgo tickets” on Google and follow the official links. Trust me, this is one Roman secret you won’t want to miss.

As always, if you want to use any of the photos from my visit, please remember to give credit to the author. Happy exploring!