The Ancient Passetto di Borgo Reopens, Returning to Rome’s Splendor

After years of closure and meticulous restoration, the historic Passetto di Borgo has reopened, marking a significant cultural and historical moment for Rome. This ancient fortified passage, steeped in history and legend, has been returned to the Eternal City in all its grandeur. Locals and tourists alike can now explore this fascinating monument, reconnecting with centuries of papal and Roman history.

What is the Passetto di Borgo?

Known locally as Er Coridore de Borgo, the Passetto di Borgo is a raised and fortified section of the Vatican Walls, stretching 800 meters from the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Built for defense and papal security, it runs along via dei Corridori and via Borgo Sant’Angelo, standing as a testament to Rome’s enduring resilience.

The Passetto’s origins date back to 547 when barbarian Totila set up a military camp in the area. Later, in 852, Pope Leo IV constructed a 5-meter-high wall with a walkway to protect St. Peter’s Basilica and surrounding buildings. This defensive structure laid the foundation for the Passetto as we know it today. Over time, various popes, including Niccolò III (1277), Sixtus IV (1471–1484), and Alexander VI (1492–1503), modified and enhanced the passage, adding battlements, watchtowers, patrol paths, and fortified elevations. Large, roughly squared blocks used in its early construction are still visible near Porta Castello.

Strategic Importance

Throughout its history, the Passetto di Borgo served multiple purposes. Elevated above the Borgo, it provided a vantage point for defenders to monitor the area below, repel attacks, and suppress riots. It also acted as a secret escape route for popes during times of peril.

In 1494, Pope Alexander VI fled through the Passetto to seek refuge in Castel Sant’Angelo when Charles VIII of France invaded Rome.
In 1527, during the brutal Sack of Rome by the Lanzichenecchi (German mercenaries of Charles V), Pope Clement VII used the passage to escape. Protecting the pope during his flight, the Swiss Guards made the ultimate sacrifice, fighting bravely against the invaders. The walls of the Passetto still bear the marks of arquebus shots fired during this conflict.
The Passetto also played darker roles, such as leading important prisoners to the dungeons of Castel Sant’Angelo. One notable prisoner, Beatrice Cenci, walked this secret passage in chains before her execution in 1599.

Legends and Anecdotes

Beyond its strategic importance, the Passetto is shrouded in intriguing tales. According to legend, Pope Alexander VI used the passage for secret rendezvous with his lovers. This inspired a peculiar tradition: it was said that walking the 800-meter stretch of the Passetto back and forth 77 times (totaling over 60 kilometers) could restore a man’s lost masculinity.

The Restoration and Reopening

The reopening of the Passetto di Borgo is part of a broader revitalization of Rome’s historic landmarks in preparation for The Jubilee of Hope. The restoration efforts have made the entire passage accessible, from the Torre del Mascherino at Piazza della Città Leonina to The Bastione San Marco in Castel Sant’Angelo.

Key features of the restoration include:

  • The addition of lifts and reconfigured paths, ensuring accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

  • A multimedia installation at the Bastione San Marco offering an immersive experience and virtual tours for those unable to visit in person.

  • Displays of historical artifacts and objects recounting the events tied to the Passetto and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Visiting the Passetto Di Borgo Today

The reopened Passetto di Borgo offers visitors a unique glimpse into Rome’s storied past. The passage, which once provided a lifeline for popes and witnessed moments of great turmoil, now stands as a symbol of resilience and history. Alongside other restored landmarks like Ponte Sant’Angelo and redesigned spaces such as Piazza Pia and Piazza Risorgimento, the Passetto shines as a testament to the Eternal City’s timeless legacy.

Whether exploring its legends, learning about its historical role, or simply admiring its architectural marvels, The Passetto di Borgo invites everyone to step back in time and experience the extraordinary history of Rome.