Passetto di Borgo

In Rome, a remarkable historic corridor called the Passetto di Borgo links two of the city's most famous sites: Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica. The passage was built by Pope Nicholas III, who ordered the construction of this covered and fortified walkway to connect the papal residence to the Vatican safely.

An Escape Route in Turbulent Times

The Passetto di Borgo played a dramatic role in the city's history. During the Sack of Rome in 1527, Pope Clement VII used this secret route to escape enemies and seek refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo. The corridor’s thick walls and hidden path made it a lifeline during times of turmoil, illustrating the challenges faced by medieval popes.

Walking the Path of History

Today, much of the Passetto di Borgo still survives. Visitors strolling along Borgo Sant'Angelo, a street that runs parallel and just north of the Via della Conciliazione, can see sections of the ancient corridor. Its presence offers a glimpse into the defensive strategies and architectural ingenuity that shaped Rome’s past.