The Passetto (Rome)

 arcade (architecture), interesting place, bridge, historic landmark, do not draw title

The Passetto di Borgo, or simply Passetto, is an elevated passage that links the Vatican City with the Castle of Sant' Angelo. It is an approximately 800 m long 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 several 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 Pontiff's life was in danger.

Clement VII escaped to safety to escape to the fortified Castel Sant' Angelo through this passage during the Sack of Rome in 1527. Troops of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, massacred almost the entire Swiss Guard on the steps of St Peter's Basilica as the guard protected the Pope, buying him time to escape through the Passetto.