The Passetto di Borgo, an 800-meter elevated passageway linking the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, has reopened yesterday, following six years of meticulous restoration. Constructed in 1277 under Pope Nicholas III, the Passetto served as a clandestine escape route for popes during times of peril. Notably, during the 1527 Sack of Rome, Pope Clement VII utilized this corridor to evade the forces of Emperor Charles V.

The recent restoration aimed to preserve the structural integrity and historical authenticity of the Passetto, ensuring its accessibility for future generations. The project involved comprehensive cleaning, structural reinforcements, and the installation of modern safety measures to accommodate visitors.

Visitors can now experience guided tours along this historic walkway, offering insights into its architectural significance and the pivotal role it played in papal history. The passage provides a unique vantage point over Rome, allowing guests to traverse the same path once used by pontiffs seeking refuge.

The reopening of the Passetto di Borgo adds a significant attraction to Rome's rich tapestry of historical sites, providing both locals and tourists with an opportunity to delve deeper into the city's medieval past and the storied legacy of the papacy.

For those interested in exploring the Passetto, guided tours are now available, offering a rare glimpse into this once-secretive passage that has been integral to Rome's history for centuries.