Passetto di Borgo, Vatican City Travel Guide

Explore the Passetto di Borgo, Vatican City's secret passageway that connects the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo, offering a unique glimpse into papal history and intrigue.

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Passetto di Borgo

The Passetto di Borgo, often simply called the Passetto, is a hidden gem in the heart of Vatican City. This ancient elevated passageway connects the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo, offering a unique glimpse into the history and strategic ingenuity of the papal state. Built in 1277 by Pope Nicholas III, the Passetto was designed as an escape route for the Pope and other high-ranking officials during times of danger. Today, it stands as a fascinating historical structure, steeped in mystery and intrigue. Walking through the Passetto di Borgo is like stepping back in time. The narrow, cobbled corridor echoes with centuries of history, from the medieval era to the Renaissance. It was famously used by Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527, when he fled to the safety of Castel Sant'Angelo. The passageway's walls are lined with ancient stone, and the small windows offer fleeting glimpses of the bustling modern city below, creating a stark contrast between past and present. Visitors to the Passetto can enjoy guided tours that delve into the rich history of this secretive passage. These tours often include access to areas of both the Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo that are not typically open to the public, providing a unique and comprehensive understanding of the passage's role in the Vatican's history. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the hidden corners of Vatican City, the Passetto di Borgo is a must-see destination.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Passetto di Borgo.

Book your guided tour in advance, as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes; the cobbled path can be uneven and requires a fair bit of walking.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Combine your visit with a tour of Castel Sant'Angelo to get a full experience of the passage's historical significance.
Keep an eye out for special events or exhibitions that might be taking place in the passageway or the surrounding areas.

Explore Passetto di Borgo: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Passetto di Borgo

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Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

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IKONO Roma

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Capannelle Racecourse

Discover the excitement of horse racing and Italian culture at Capannelle Racecourse, a premier sports complex in Rome.

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Porta Maggiore

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Vatican Museums

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St. Peter's Basilica

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Castel Sant'Angelo

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Sistine Chapel

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Best restaurants in Passetto di Borgo

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Pastasciutta

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Pastasciutta in Rome - delicious pasta dishes served fast and affordably.

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Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale

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Ristorante Arlù

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Arlù in Rome's historic Borgo Pio district - where every dish tells a story.

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La Locanda di Pietro

Discover La Locanda di Pietro: An authentic Italian restaurant in Rome serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine and renowned pizzas.

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Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma

Experience breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine at Terrazza Les Étoiles, Rome's premier rooftop restaurant and bar for unforgettable moments.

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Be.Re. + Trapizzino

Discover the taste of Rome at Be.Re. + Trapizzino, a gastropub offering innovative Italian street food and a cozy atmosphere near the Vatican.

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Wine Bar De' Penitenzieri

Discover the enchanting Wine Bar De' Penitenzieri in Rome, where exquisite wines and delightful cuisine come together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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Morrison's

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Best nightclubs in Passetto di Borgo

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The Basement - Pub. Cocktail Bar. Events

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rome at The Basement, a pub and cocktail bar offering an eclectic atmosphere and diverse drink selection.

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Alexanderplatz Jazz Club

Explore the rhythms of live jazz in Rome at Alexanderplatz Jazz Club, where unforgettable performances and a vibrant atmosphere await every night.

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Emerald's Independent Bar

Discover Emerald's Independent Bar: a vibrant cocktail haven in Rome, where exquisite drinks meet a cozy atmosphere and delicious tapas.

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Titan Club

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The Rock Shop

Discover the essence of rock and roll at The Rock Shop in Rome, where fashion meets music memorabilia for an unforgettable shopping experience.

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Annona Vatican City

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Savelli Religious (Savelli Art and Tradition)

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St. Peter's Gallery

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Explore Passetto di Borgo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Passetto di Borgo, mapped for you.

Passetto di Borgo Essentials

Passetto di Borgo is located in Vatican City, easily accessible from Rome. The nearest international airport is Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini station, then transfer to the Metro Line A (red line) and get off at Ottaviano-San Pietro. Alternatively, a taxi or airport shuttle service can take you directly to Vatican City.
Within Vatican City, walking is the primary mode of transportation, as it is a small area. For exploring Rome, public transportation options include buses, trams, and the metro. The ATAC public transport system is reliable and extensive. Taxis are also available but ensure they are licensed to avoid scams. Renting a bike or a scooter can be a fun way to navigate the city, especially during warmer months.
The official currency in Vatican City is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops within Vatican City and Rome. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you encounter establishments that only accept cash. ATMs are plentiful, and you can easily withdraw Euros using your debit or credit card.
Vatican City and its surrounding areas in Rome are generally safe for tourists. However, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like St. Peter's Square and public transport. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. The neighborhoods around Vatican City, such as Prati, are relatively safe, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, medical, and fire departments. Vatican City has its own security services, but for major emergencies, you may be assisted by Italian authorities. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics in Rome, such as Ospedale Santo Spirito, which is close to Vatican City.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Silence your phone and avoid loud conversations in religious areas. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Italian delicacies and Vatican-specific dishes. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Passetto di Borgo like a local, consider visiting during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Take your time to appreciate the historical significance of the passageway. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth historical context. Enjoy a meal at one of the local trattorias in the nearby Borgo Pio area, where you can savor authentic Roman cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a Papal audience or mass at St. Peter's Basilica for a unique and spiritual experience.

When is the best time to visit Passetto di Borgo?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Passetto di Borgo

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Passetto di Borgo. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloCiao
  [chow]
- GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
- YesSì
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
- Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsee-eh]
- Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
- How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
- Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
- Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
- I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh cahr-neh]
- Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
- Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
- Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-leet-zee-ah]
- Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
- I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
- I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]
- I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
- I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
- That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh cahr-oh]
- Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]
- What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
- It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
- Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
- MorningMattina
  [mah-tee-nah]
- AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
- EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
- TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Due
  [doo-eh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
- 6Sei
  [say]
- 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
- 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]
- Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
- What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-reet-zoh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

History of Passetto di Borgo

Passetto di Borgo, often simply referred to as 'il Passetto,' is an elevated passageway that connects the Vatican City with the Castel Sant'Angelo. Constructed in the late 13th century, this corridor has played a significant role in the history of the papacy, providing a secret escape route for Popes in times of danger. Stretching approximately 800 meters, the fortified corridor weaves through the heart of Rome, offering a tangible connection to the city's storied past.
Commissioned by Pope Nicholas III in 1277, the Passetto di Borgo was built as part of a larger fortification effort to protect the papal residence. The corridor is constructed of brick and stone, featuring a series of crenellated walls and defensive towers. Its strategic design includes narrow windows for archers, making it a formidable defensive structure. Over the centuries, various Popes have ordered repairs and reinforcements, ensuring its continued utility and preservation.
One of the most significant events in the history of Passetto di Borgo occurred during the Sack of Rome in 1527. As the troops of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, invaded the city, Pope Clement VII found refuge in the Castel Sant'Angelo by fleeing through the Passetto. The corridor's existence was crucial in ensuring his safety, as the city of Rome fell into chaos and destruction. This event underscored the importance of the Passetto as a lifeline for the papacy in perilous times.
Throughout its history, the Passetto di Borgo has been used by various Popes to escape threats and seek sanctuary. Notable instances include Pope Alexander VI, who used the corridor to flee from Charles VIII of France in 1494. Its discreet passageway allowed the Popes to move between the Vatican and the Castel Sant'Angelo without attracting attention, making it an invaluable asset during periods of political instability and military conflict.
In recent decades, efforts have been made to restore and preserve the Passetto di Borgo, allowing visitors to explore this historic corridor. Restoration projects have focused on stabilizing the structure, repairing damage, and making it accessible to the public. Today, guided tours offer a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history, providing an immersive experience of the corridor's architectural features and its role in the papal history. The Passetto stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vatican throughout the centuries.