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In the 14th century, during a period when there was no effective government
to protect Rome from invading armies, the building was confiscated by the
Catholic Church and further fortified for the protection of the Vatican and
the popes. It was during this time that a tunnel (Passeto) was built
connecting the fortification with the Vatican, allowing the Pope a safe
escape route if the defense of the Vatican should be in jeopardy.
The castle's name derives from the Archangel Michael whose statue (a
relatively recent addition) towers over the building. Legend has it that a
pope passing by the building during a plague in the 6th century, saw an
image at the top of the building of the sword-bearing Archangel defeating the plague.
Soon after this apparition, the plague ended and the Castel became Castel Sant'Angelo. In another change from Hadrian's time, the
original bridge (called the Aelian Bridge) and subsequently renamed the
Ponte Sant Angelo. The bridge was widened in the 15th
century and eventually ten statues of angels were added
by Bernini, each with a unique pose and theme.
Today this mighty edifice houses the Museo Nazionale di Castel
Sant'Angelo. The Museo provides interesting information and
exhibits about the history of the building and also includes a
collection of Renaissance paintings, frescos, sculptures, ceramics, arms and
armor. The view of Rome from the top of the building is worth
seeing.
The
Castel Sant'Angelo, plays a critical role in the work of fiction,
Angels & Demons. Without revealing too many plot
details, the building is an unlikely location for the secret
prison described in the book, since it is a public museum.
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