Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome: Bernini's angels, free access and the walk to the castle

Updated on October 8, 2026

Ponte Sant'Angelo (the Sant'Angelo Bridge) crosses the Tiber between the historic centre and Castel Sant'Angelo. Built by Emperor Hadrian around 134 to lead to his mausoleum, it is now pedestrian-only. It is open at all hours and free. In the 17th century Pope Clement IX lined it with ten angels carrying the instruments of the Passion, designed by Bernini's workshop. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to cross it while looking at the statues, and more if you continue to the castle or St Peter's Basilica.

Highlights

The bridge and the castle at dusk

From the left bank, the bridge stands out against the illuminated castle: it is one of the most photographed views in Rome. The three central arches date from Hadrian's time; the others have been rebuilt or restored since.

The ten angels

Each carries an instrument of Christ's Passion: the column, the scourge, the crown of thorns, Veronica's veil, the robe and dice, the nails, the cross, the INRI inscription, the sponge and the lance. Bernini designed the whole group at the request of Clement IX (1667-1669) and carved two of the angels himself, but they were judged too beautiful to leave out in the weather and were replaced by copies. The originals can be seen today in the church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, near the Spanish Steps, and the rest of the statues come from his workshop.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

At the castle end of the bridge, two statues of the apostles greet visitors: they date from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The view of St Peter's

Walking towards the castle, the dome of the basilica appears behind the Tiber, in line with the via della Conciliazione.

Practical info

Tips

Access is free, 24 hours a day. The bridge is very busy at the end of the day and at weekends: street artists, souvenir sellers and photographers occupy the arches. Turn down the "gifts" (bracelets, roses) offered along the way, and keep your bag closed in the crowd, because pickpockets work here. See also our guide to scams to avoid in Rome. At the end of the bridge, Castel Sant'Angelo can be visited with a paid ticket; our Prati and Borgo guide covers the neighbourhood on the other side.

How to get there

Ponte Sant'Angelo, 00186 Rome. Metro line A, Lepanto or Ottaviano station, about 15 minutes on foot; from Piazza Navona, about ten minutes on foot along the Lungotevere. Buses 40 and 64 serve the surrounding area. See our guide to getting around Rome.