The Historical Passetto del Borgo Reopens for Guided Tours
A fascinating piece of history, the centuries-old fortified passage known as the Passetto del Borgo, connecting the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo, has reopened to the public just in time for the upcoming Jubilee Year. This historic site now offers a new programme of special guided tours for visitors.
Constructed in 1277 as a papal escape route, the Passetto del Borgo holds significant historical importance. It was famously used by Pope Clemente VII in 1527 during the Sack of Rome, with 147 Swiss Guards sacrificing their lives to protect the pontiff from the invading army of the Holy Roman Emperor.
This bridge-like passage spans 700 metres, running parallel to Via della Conciliazione along Borgo S. Angelo and Via dei Corridori. It consists of two levels – an open battlement for patrols on top and a covered tunnel below.
The newly-restored walkway has been partially accessible to visitors over the past 25 years, but it is now fully open for guided tours, including night tours.
The route offers a unique experience with its two levels – the upper level providing panoramic views of the city, while the lower, covered level served as the “secret” corridor allowing popes to safely move between the papal apartments and the fortress at Castel Sant’Angelo.
The reopening of the Passetto del Borgo was announced by Italian museum and heritage authorities on the eve of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year, coinciding with the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s.
“This fortified passage is not just a beautiful architectural element but also a crucial chapter in Rome’s history, recounting pivotal moments of the city and its universal significance,” said Massimo Osanna, director general of Italy’s museums. “Today, this site invites both locals and visitors to explore and learn, presenting a dialogue between history, culture, and the urban landscape.”
Photos by Luigi di Stano
