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Castel Sant'Angelo (Sant'Angelo Castle): Night of Dancing on the River, Rome
The Mausoleum of Hadrian, also known as Sant'Angelo Castle, is a cylindrical tower in Rome’s Adriano Park. Built by Emperor Hadrian between 134 and 139 AD as a family mausoleum, it later housed the remains of several emperors.
In 401, the structure was repurposed into a fortress, incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, and used for defense. Legend claims that Archangel Michael appeared over it in 590, ending a plague and inspiring its current name. Over time, popes transformed the castle into a papal residence, prison, and execution site. Now a museum, it features historical exhibits, secret passages, and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Rome and Vatican City.
In the 20th century, the castle provided a setting for one of the scenes in the famous 1953 Hollywood blockbuster “Roman Holiday.” Anyone who saw it can surely recall the memorable moment when Princess Ann received an invitation from Mario Delani, the barber responsible for her stunning new haircut, to join him for a night of dancing aboard a barge on the Tiber River. The scene brims with excitement, particularly as secret agents pursue the Princess, resulting in a delightful commotion. And who could forget her ingenious move of playfully striking one of the agents with a guitar, thereby making him the "crowned head" of the night's festivities? The night of dancing concludes with a thrilling leap into the river.
Decades on, the Tiber has gone low, and the barge – once moored between the Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge and Sant'Angelo Bridge – is not there anymore, not to mention discotheques and Gregory Pecks. But they say, back in the day, people did party hard here. With the right amount of imagination, we can still visualize anything you want. At least the bridge where it all happened and the Sant'Angelo Castle are still there.
In 401, the structure was repurposed into a fortress, incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, and used for defense. Legend claims that Archangel Michael appeared over it in 590, ending a plague and inspiring its current name. Over time, popes transformed the castle into a papal residence, prison, and execution site. Now a museum, it features historical exhibits, secret passages, and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Rome and Vatican City.
In the 20th century, the castle provided a setting for one of the scenes in the famous 1953 Hollywood blockbuster “Roman Holiday.” Anyone who saw it can surely recall the memorable moment when Princess Ann received an invitation from Mario Delani, the barber responsible for her stunning new haircut, to join him for a night of dancing aboard a barge on the Tiber River. The scene brims with excitement, particularly as secret agents pursue the Princess, resulting in a delightful commotion. And who could forget her ingenious move of playfully striking one of the agents with a guitar, thereby making him the "crowned head" of the night's festivities? The night of dancing concludes with a thrilling leap into the river.
Decades on, the Tiber has gone low, and the barge – once moored between the Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge and Sant'Angelo Bridge – is not there anymore, not to mention discotheques and Gregory Pecks. But they say, back in the day, people did party hard here. With the right amount of imagination, we can still visualize anything you want. At least the bridge where it all happened and the Sant'Angelo Castle are still there.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Castel Sant'Angelo (Sant'Angelo Castle): Night of Dancing on the River on Map
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Sight Name: Castel Sant'Angelo (Sant'Angelo Castle): Night of Dancing on the River
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
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