Mysterious Castel Sant’Angelo
Here we are with a new column, this time about Rome’s attractions and monuments seen in depth, let’s say at close quarters. So many times on travel blogs monuments are mentioned or just quoted, but not that often we deal with these priceless treasures with the right approach. For this piece I want to tell you about Castel Sant’Angelo, a wonder of Rome that particularly fascinates me, either for its architecture or for its mysterious charm.
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as The Mausoleum of Hadrian in as much commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for him and his family. It is located on the right bank of the river Tiber and once it used to be the tallest construction in Rome. Thereafter the building was used as a fortification, prison and residence by Popes of Roman church and at the present it is a museum. Also due to its use it has an halo of mystery, majesty and authority.
Build between 134 and 139 AD, initially it was more bare but later it had been renowned with Baroque additions of statues of angels with elements of the Passion of Christ. After a destruction and a raid by enemies and also to decorate St. Peter’s with extra ornaments, from the tomb were taken many elements like urns and columns that now we can see in ruins.
According to legend its name comes from the arrival of Archangel Michael, who appeared atop the “mole” to ratify the end of the plague time. Then the fortress was named after the Archangel. In 14th century Popes turned the fortress into a castle conferring to it even more importance. In fact they wanted to connect it with St. Peter’s Basilica and did it by an elevated passage called “passetto” that links the two majestic buildings.
This fact generated many legends, stories and anecdotes about historic escapes and intrigues of which movies and romances are plentiful. Think about “Angels & Demons”, Dan Brown’s bestseller then transposed into a famous movie by Ron Howard featuring Tom Hanks. Don’t miss our dedicated tour!
The castle is now a museum, the “Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo” and hosts events of different kind. We can mention the unique spectacle of the fireworks of Castel Sant’Angelo, an ancient tradition that lights up Rome’s sky on June 29, in honor of the patron of the eternal city, Saints Peter and Paul. Plus we have to mention also Castel sant’Angelo ice rink during Christmas time.. and above all you have to see it by night. You’ll be astonished by its beauty!
