Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo is located over the bridge Ponte Sant’Angelo, on the way to the Vatican. It is sometimes referred to as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, as it was built by this Roman emperor to act as a final resting grounds for him and his family. In ancient Rome tombs where not permitted within the city walls, so Hadrian built this tomb across the Tiber river and placed a gigantic statue on top of it.

The proximity to the Vatican was not lost on the Popes and in the 6th century they converted it to a fortress. A direct passageway was built to Vatican City with Castel Sant’Angelo, providing a quick route to shelter for the pope in times of war. This safety net was used on many occasions. At one point hundreds of people sheltered in Castel Sant’Angelo for months while the city was attacked by emperor Charles V. It has been used as a storehouse for food and a treasury room for the popes. In its darker history it was a place of execution and severed heads would be displayed along its bridge.

The fortress was decommissioned at the start of the twentieth century and the Castel Sant’Angelo is now a museum. The interiors are gilded and painted and hold swords, armour and guns. There are often exhibitions hosted here.

On the terraces excellent views can be had over Rome. Here is also the top statue of the Archangel St Michael. The statue is tied to the legend that the Archangel appeared above the castle to pope Gregorius I, sheathing his sword as a sign of the end of the plague terrorising Rome in 590 AD.

Practicalities

• Address: Lungotevere Castello 50
• Open: Tue – Sun from 9:00am – 19:30pm
• Admission: €5