Overview:

Castel Sant’Angelo In Italy is an iconic Italian landmark, located in Rome, on the banks of the Tiber River. Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian or the Hadrian’s Mole, the castle was initially built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 135. Over the centuries, this imposing building has served various purposes, having been used as a fortress, castle, prison, and even a papal residence. Today, Castel Sant'Angelo In Italy is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, offering visitors an insight into the city's rich history. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy
Prominent Features:

•Museum: Located on the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally constructed as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. It is now a museum and can be visited by the public. •Archaeological Garden: An extensive archaeological garden is located along the outer wall of the castle, with remnants of structures from the 1st century AD. •Bridge: The iconic Ponte Sant'Angelo, one of the most picturesque of all the bridges that cross the River Tiber in Rome, connects the Castle to the city. •Fortifications: In the 5th century, the castle was fortified with walls and towers and used as a fortress by the Popes. •Chapel: Inside the castle, there is a chapel built in the 16th century. It houses the tomb of Pope Clement VII. •Gardens: The castle is surrounded by lush paved gardens, which offer panoramic views of the city. •Sculptures: There are also many sculptures and wall reliefs on the outer walls of the castle, including a famous bronze statue of an angel by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Italy.

History:

Castel Sant’Angelo is a magnificent structure situated on the right bank of the River Tiber in Rome, Italy. It was originally commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Construction of the mausoleum began in 123 AD and was completed in 139 AD. Its fortifications were added during the Middle Ages. Throughout its 2000-year-old history, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a mausoleum, a fortress, a prison, a refuge for popes during papal sieges, a place of execution, a garrison headquarters, and a museum. In 1791, it became a public museum and part of Rome’s historical center. In the 5th century, Castel Sant’Angelo served as an asylum for Romans seeking respite from invading barbarians. During the 10th century, Pope John XI used it as a refuge during papal sieges. During the Dark Ages, the castle stood unused for nearly two centuries before being taken over by the Colonna family. In the 13th century it once again served as a papal fortress. During the Renaissance, Castel Sant’Angelo served as the Pope’s summer residence. Later, Pope Paul II transformed the structure into a prison. In 1798, Napoleon seized the castle and partially destroyed parts of it. Following Napoleon’s retreat, the castle was reconstructed to its original condition. Today, the top of Castel Sant’Angelo houses a museum which contains some of the most impressive collections of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts, such as ancient tombs and statues of the gods. Visitors to the museum are able to access the original fortifications and appreciate the numerous frescoes throughout the castle. Visit one of the famous monuments of Italy with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally known as the ‘Mausoleum of Hadrian’ and was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian between 135 and 139 AD. 2. It was initially created to be a sepulchral monument but it has since served as a fortress, castle, prison and a papal residence. 3. In 429 AD, a legend emerged that the Archangel Michael appeared atop of the monument and sheathed his sword to signal the end of a plague that was gripping the city. 4. Inside the castle are a variety of interesting artifacts, such as sculptures and frescos from the Renaissance era. 5. Castel Sant’Angelo was famously the setting for the climax of Shakespeare’s play, ‘Julius Caesar’. 6. The monument has been featured in the films ‘Angels and Demons’ and ‘The Third Man’. 7. In 1870, it was declared to be a national museum. One of the historical monuments of Italy, it tells the story of a bygone era