Get to Know the Vatican: Castel Sant Angelo and St. Peter’s Square

Your tour starts in front of Castel Sant Angelo, more fortress than church, to learn about the immense political and military power that Popes used to wield. Passing a semi-secret papal escape route, you’ll discuss some of the more colorful men to ever don the papal robes as you head towards St. Peter’s Square. Once inside the titanic colonnade, yout guide will give you the inside story on the genius who designed it, see the Pope’s Apartment, and tell you some of the stories surrounding the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the square. From the bad moods of Michelangelo to the heroics of the Swiss Guard and even a bit of storytelling by Dan Brown, this tour packs of a lot history, lore, and interesting facts in a short period of time. Sites Visited: St.Peter's Square Castel San't Angelo Via della Conciliazione Passetto di Borgo Swiss Guards Vatican City State Sistine Chapel (outside) Pope's Apartment