Best Places to Visit in Rome, Italy

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 Pope Gregory the Great while passing the building during a plague in the 6th century, saw an image, crowning 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) was  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. 

The Catholic Church took control of the ownership of th structure in the 14th century and made many of the modifications you see today. During the 16th century the building was used as an official palace for the popes, although several of the papal apartments were created in previous centuries.

Today, this once 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.  

During your visit be sure to see the Marcia Ronde in the Castle along with the four corner bastions (named for the Four Evangelists), as well as the ramp that spirals from the top to the bottom of the structure. The Papal Apartments are lavishly decorated and worth a look. 

The Castel Sant'Angelo, plays a critical role in Dan Brown's 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.

Rome Angels and Demons Half-Day Tour   From Viator Tours

Next -  Return to our guide to the Monuments of Ancient Rome

Or - Return to our Rome Travel Guide Home Page

If you need information about another travel destination, try our Destination Guide Index  or Googling ThereArePlaces.

 

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