Sant'Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant'Angelo)

The Basics

Ponte Sant'Angelo, or the Sant'Angelo Bridge, was built by Roman emperor Hadrian to access his mausoleum and was originally named Pons Aelius, or the Bridge of Hadrian. Legend holds that the archangel Michael appeared on top of the mausoleum in 590, ending an outbreak of the plague; to mark that miracle, Hadrian's tomb and adjacent bridge were renamed Sant'Angelo.

This ancient Roman bridge is one of the most popular spots in Rome for its scenic views, and a must-see during any walking, bike, or Vespa scooter tour of the Eternal City. Especially beautiful at night, Ponte Sant'Angelo is an unforgettably romantic stop during a Rome-by-night private excursion.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Ponte Sant'Angelo links the pedestrian-only Lungotevere Castello river walk on the Castello Sant'Angelo side of the Tiber to the neighborhoods of Ponte and Borgo, two of the most historic quarters of Rome, on the opposite bank.

• The bridge is crowded during the day and late into the night with visitors snapping pictures, buskers and artists, and street vendors.

• The cobblestoned bridge is flat and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The 64 bus runs from the Termini train station to Castel Sant'Angelo, or you can walk from the Vatican.

When to Get There

The bridge is known for its great views, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light if you are interested in taking photos.

Ponte Sant'Angelo and the Vatican

Ponte Sant'Angelo is just a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica, and has been used by religious pilgrims on their final stretch to the Vatican for centuries. If you are planning on visiting the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, consider taking the scenic walk across this bridge for an unforgettable approach.

Ways to explore

This ancient Roman bridge is one of the most popular spots in Rome for its scenic views. It’s free to access and a must-see on any walking, biking, tuk-tuk, golf cart, Vespa scooter, or river boat tour of the Eternal City. Many tours focused on Rome’s ancient sites cross this bridge to reach Castello Sant’Angelo, built as a mausoleum in the second century, and photography tours also often make a stop here to capture the bridge’s architecture and statues. Especially beautiful after sunset, Ponte Sant’Angelo is a romantic stop on a Rome-by-night private or small group excursion.

Accessibility

The paved pedestrian bridge is flat and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, bottle of water, cash for buskers and street artists

What to wear

Sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Motor vehicles, love locks

Amenities

Public restrooms in nearby Castel Sant’Angelo, buskers and street artists

Address

The Sant’Angelo Bridge connects the two banks of the Tiber River in the very heart of Rome’s historic center, so it is easy to reach on foot from many of the most famous sights in the city. A number of bus routes also stop nearby.

Driving

The bridge is closed to traffic, and the surrounding neighborhoods on both sides of the Tiber River are tricky to navigate by car. Skip the stress of city traffic and limited parking by reaching Sant’Angelo Bridge on foot or by public transportation.

Public transportation

The Via Paola and Ponte Vittorio Emanuele bus stops are a short walk from the Sant’Angelo Bridge, and about 10 different bus lines stop here, making it easy to reach the area from virtually anywhere in Rome.

Best times to visit

The bridge bustles with pedestrians day and night. Visit by day to walk the bridge and tour the nearby Castello Sant’Angelo fortress, or after sunset to admire the bridge, river, and cityscape by night.

Best days to visit

Crowds fill the Sant’Angelo Bridge on the weekends and holidays, especially in summer. Visit on a weekday for a less hectic stroll.

Best months to visit

This open-air sight is striking year-round, but there is no shelter from the winter winds or summer heat. Visit in the spring or fall for the best river views and most comfortable temperatures.

Special events

The bridge does not host events, but is a popular viewing point for fireworks on New Year’s Eve and on June 29th, celebrating the feast day of the Saints Peter and Paul.