In the following article we will explore the topic of Passetto di Borgo, which has been the subject of interest and debate in various areas over time. From its origins to its relevance today, Passetto di Borgo has been the subject of study and analysis by experts and enthusiasts. Throughout this article we will examine its impact, evolution and possible challenges it faces in contemporary society. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will seek to understand the various dimensions and aspects related to Passetto di Borgo, offering a comprehensive vision that invites reflection and debate.
The Passetto di Borgo, or simply Passetto, is an elevated passage that links the Vatican City with the Castel Sant'Angelo. It is an approximately 800-metre-long (2,600 ft) corridor, located in the rione of Borgo. It was erected in 1277 by Pope Nicholas III, but parts of the wall were built by Totila during the Gothic War.
On at least two occasions it served as an escape route for Popes in danger. Pope Alexander VI crossed it in 1494, when Charles VIII invaded the city and the pope's life was in peril. Clement VII escaped to safety through this passage during the Sack of Rome in 1527, when troops of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, massacred almost the entire Swiss Guard on the steps of St Peter's Basilica.