Sant'Angelo castel

Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, is one of the most iconic monuments in Rome. Located on the right bank of the Tiber River, the castle has a long and fascinating history intertwined with that of the eternal city. The mausoleum was transformed into a fortress during the Middle Ages and became an integral part of the Aurelian Walls, serving as a refuge for popes during numerous invasions and sieges. The current structure of the castle, with its imposing cylindrical tower and mighty walls, reflects the modifications and restorations made over the centuries. A point of great interest is the Passetto di Borgo, a secret passage that connects the castle to the Vatican. This passage was used by popes as an escape route in case of danger, and its existence has been made famous by numerous films and novels. An interesting anecdote concerns the statue of the Archangel Michael, which stands at the top of the castle. According to legend, the archangel appeared on the castle during a plague epidemic in 590 AD, announcing the end of the pestilence. Since then, the castle has been known as Castel Sant’Angelo. The interior of the castle is rich in artworks and historical artifacts, including Renaissance frescoes, medieval armor, and collections of weapons. The castle’s rooms, with their opulent decorations and frescoed ceilings, offer a unique insight into the life and culture of popes and Roman nobility.