Sepulchre, fortress, papal residence, prison and now museum, Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the symbols of Rome and its history is closely linked to that of the city. This impressive structure is the only one that has accompanied the development and fate of the capital for over 2000 years. Over the centuries the building has undergone many transformations both in terms of its architecture and its intended use.
Here we tell you what it is and where this exceptional building is located. We retrace its history, discover what you can see today in this suggestive place and some curiosities about Castel Sant’Angelo. Castel Sant’Angelo is located in the heart of Rome a short distance from Vatican City. Located on the right bank of the Tiber River is just 10 minutes walk from the famous Piazza Navona.
It is the only monument of Roman times that has managed to resist the passage of time, because most were destroyed over the centuries using the material for new buildings. Without a doubt it is one of the most photographed and visited by the millions of tourists from all over the world that every year fill the streets of the capital.
The building was built by Emperor Hadrian in 135 d. C. as a personal tomb. In the Middle Ages the mausoleum was converted into a military fortress to protect Rome. Later, it became a papal residence and then a prison during the Renaissance. Today it is one of the museums of Rome and houses important works of art, frescoes and much more.
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The history of Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo has a long history that is closely linked to that of the city of Rome. Initially built by Emperor Hadrian as a tomb for himself and his family. Its function was maintained until 403 A.D. when it was included by the Western Emperor Honorius in the Aurelian walls. The barbarian invasions forced the transformation of the mausoleum into a fortress to defend the city.
In 1367 the building passed into the hands of Pope Urban V. In this way it was intended to urge the return to Rome of the curia after the exile in Avignon. It was used by the pontiffs as a residence to take refuge in case of danger. With the change of function Castel Sant’Angelo is subjected to numerous interventions. In the Renaissance the castle underwent a complete transformation. Cardinal Della Lovere who preferred to reside in this building instead of the Vatican Palace.
After being used as a prison, barracks and warehouse for military equipment, it was dismantled and abandoned in 1901. Recovered in 1911 and after 6 years of work was inaugurated as a museum by Vittorio Emanuele III. Today visitors can discover the wonders and treasures kept inside Castel Sant’Angelo.
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Castel Sant’Angelo: what to see?
The visit of Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the things to do in Rome. The palace is divided into 7 different overlapping levels. In addition to the collection the museum offers temporary exhibitions all year round. Once you enter the building, the first area you come across is the actual mausoleum. From here you can reach, through a spiral staircase, the Hall of the Urns where the ashes of the imperial family were kept.
The part of the mausoleum occupies 3 levels of the entire building and also includes the prisons made by Pope Alexander III Borgia. On the 4th level there are some charming rooms full of frescoes. Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places is the courtyard of the Angel and also the chapel of Leo X. Upstairs is the residence of Paul III Farnese.
Here there is also the loggia that overlooks the bridge and the city. Going up you will meet the Treasury Hall and the library. On the same floor there is also the prison for excellent prisoners. In the last level there are rooms realized in the seventeenth century to store the finds. At the top we find the Round Room that allows access to the terrace of the Angel that looks all over Rome.
Facts about Castel Sant’Angelo
There are many curiosities about Castel San’Angelo. First the name comes from the angel that is placed on its top and to which a fascinating legend is linked. It is said that during the plague that hit Rome hard in 1590 Saint Gregory the Great organized a procession to invoke the end of this misfortune. Once arrived at the castle, the Archangel Michael appeared and placed the sword in its sheath, thus indicating the end of the plague. For the tradition it was therefore San
Gregory asked the angel to remember the miraculous event, in reality already previous chronicles place a wooden angel on the castle.
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From the terrace you can enjoy one of the most beautiful and evocative views of Rome. Another interesting curiosity about Castel Sant’Angelo is that the building is directly connected to the Vatican through the Passetto del Borgo. In this way the Pope in case of danger could escape and take refuge in this fortress.
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic parts of the building is the bridge where the marble statues made by Bernini are located. In the past, the heads of beheaded prisoners were displayed in their place. Another curiosity concerns the famous statue of the Angel. This is not the original that was replaced after the destruction occurred in the siege of 1379. The present one was made in bronze by Peter Anton van Verschaffelt in 1752. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo and enjoy Rome, you are in the center of the eternal city.
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