Luca Ravenna - Flamingo in Rome
Luca Ravenna presents 'Flamingo' at the Auditorium Conciliazione, near the Vatican. A sharp comedy evening in a spectacular setting.
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Passetto di Borgo
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Landmark
The Passetto di Borgo is a fortified elevated passage, stretching approximately 800 meters, that links the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican with Castel Sant'Angelo. Constructed in 1277 under Pope Nicholas III on the remains of an older wall, it was designed to provide popes with a secure escape route during times of imminent threat. Its most significant historical moment occurred in 1527 during the Sack of Rome, when Pope Clement VII fled through the Passetto to find refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo from the troops of Emperor Charles V. Earlier, in 1494, Pope Alexander VI utilized the passage during the invasion of King Charles VIII of France. The corridor runs above the Via di Porta Angelica, offering a strategic vantage point over the Borgo district. Architecturally, it is a prime example of medieval defensive works later reinforced during the Renaissance. Today, the Passetto remains a powerful symbol of the papacy's turbulent and often hazardous history in Rome.
- Location: Vatican
- Top sights: Chiesa di Santa Maria in Transpontina · Auditorium Conciliazione · Le Salette
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 77 | 69 | 56 | 57 | 34 | 26 | 26 | 70 | 82 | 114 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Passetto di Borgo is an elevated defensive passage connecting Vatican City with Castel Sant'Angelo. It is only open to the public on certain days or via special tours.
Typical hours
The Passetto has irregular opening hours, often only on weekends or special events. Typically, tours are bookable from April to October.
Photography
Photography from the ground is always possible. From above, shots are allowed during the tour, but no flash due to historic fabric.
Time needed
The walk along the Passetto takes about 20-30 minutes, including viewing Castel Sant'Angelo. Allow 1-1.5 hours total for both sites.
Combine with
Combine definitely with Castel Sant'Angelo, as the Passetto leads directly there. St. Peter's Square and Via della Conciliazione are also en route.
Getting there
Access to the Passetto is either from Vatican City (Museums) or from Castel Sant'Angelo. The nearest train station is Roma San Pietro, metro Ottaviano.
Insider tip
Book the tour early as spots are limited. The view from above over Rome and Vatican City is sweeping.
Geography
Facts
- The passage spans exactly 800 meters in length.
- Construction began in 1277 under Nicholas III.
- Pope Alexander VI renovated the corridor in 1492.
- Clement VII escaped here on May 6, 1527.
- The passage is integrated into the Leonine Wall.
- Open to the public for guided tours during summer.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Passetto di Borgo (10)
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Transpontina
A church in Rome, built in the 16th century.
🌐 parrocchiatraspontina.it🕒 Mo-Sa 08:00-13:00,15:30-20:00
Palazzo Torlonia
A palace in Rome, seat of the Torlonia family.
Museo Leonardo da Vinci🏛 museum
A museum in Rome displaying works and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.
Ospedale Santo Spirito in Sassia
A hospital in Italy, founded in the 12th century.
Theatre of Nero
An ancient theatre in ancient Rome, used for performances.
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele Secondo
A bridge in Rome, named after King Victor Emmanuel II.
Chiesa della Beata Vergine Maria del Carmine
A church in Rome, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Passetto di Borgo?
An 800-meter-long escape route between the Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo.
When did it become famous?
Pope Clement VII used it to escape in 1527 during the Sack of Rome.
Can you walk through the Passetto?
It is only open at certain times in summer via special guided tours.
Who built the passage?
Pope Nicholas III began the construction in the 13th century.
Where does the passage start in the Vatican?
It starts near the Apostolic Palace.
Passetto di Borgo: where is it located?
Passetto di Borgo is located in Vatican.
Passetto di Borgo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chiesa di Santa Maria in Transpontina, Auditorium Conciliazione, Le Salette.
Passetto di Borgo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Passetto di Borgo: why is it worth visiting?
The Passetto di Borgo is a fortified elevated passage, stretching approximately 800 meters, that links the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican with Castel Sant'Angelo.
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History & landmarks
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
More places
Palace of St. Pius X
A modern administrative building on Via della Conciliazione.
Palace of Sixtus V
This wing of the Apostolic Palace traditionally serves as the official residence of the Popes.
Bronze Door
The primary ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace, constantly guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Palace of the Holy Office
Seat of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, located right on the Vatican border.
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
Domus Sanctae Marthae
A guesthouse for clergy and the current residence of Pope Francis.