Castel Sant’Angelo

A favorite childhood memory of Rome is Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s beautiful to look at, towering over the Tiber, and particularly striking at night.

Castel Sant’Angelo at night, the lights reflecting on the river

 

Approaching Castel Sant’Angelo from the Ponte Sant’Angelo, by day

Originally, the large round structure was the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, built around 140 C.E. Interestingly, it is similar to the Mausoleum of Augustus.

A drawing depicting what the Mausoleum may once have looked like

 

Looking up at the round structure, today

Eventually, as with so many places in Rome, it was adapted, being converted into a fortress for the pope, a place of refuge in times of conflict. Indeed, it is connected to the Vatican by a once-secret, elevated passageway, the Passetto di Borgo.

As seen in the famous Noli map, the mausoleum was converted to a fortress

As a boy, what could be cooler than exploring a castle-fortress? I loved that it was a fort, complete with cannons and stacked pyramids of cannon balls. (And, it was easy to run around.)

Cannons and stacks of cannon balls – very cool!
The ramparts, with more cannons and such

One of the coolest things to explore is the giant, interior curved ramp. It leads up to the spot where the emperor’s remains (and those of other imperial family members) were once interred (alas, the imperial remains were scattered long ago by the invading Visigoths in 410 C.E.). Plus, the view from the top is terrific.

View from the top, complete with a seagull hoping for a snack

Several of the rooms can be toured. Let’s just say that even in a fortress, the popes liked their luxuries.

A ceiling in one of the fortress’s papal rooms — not bad.

There’s even a papal restroom, which is sometimes open to the public (for viewing, not actual use).

At the top of Castel Sant’Angelo stands a statue of the Archangel Michael. Legend has it he is sheathing his sword, having to do with the ending of a plague that struck Rome in 590 C.E.

The Archangel Michael, with his sword

He’s actually the second version of the angel to guard the castle, the older version is now displayed in the interior courtyard.

The earlier version of Michael the archangel, now in the courtyard

It’s nice to think that, all these centuries later, the Archangel Michael still stands watch over the Eternal City.

 

Published by spanishstepsapartment

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In the heart of Rome's Historic Center, between the beautiful Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain, this luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is surrounded by fine dining and fabulous shopping. It is within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and many other historic sites and museums, and near the subway, taxi stands, bus stops, and bike rental. Located in a traditional Roman palazzo, the apartment was fully renovated in late 2010 and is now available for vacation and short-term rental.