Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'Angelo    is one of Rome's most famous architectural monuments.  Resplendent day or night, the building was originally commissioned in the 2nd century by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as his family's mausoleum and it was used for the same purposes by other emperors. Within a century of being built it was converted to a fortress and linked to the Aurelian Walls, as part of the defensive ramparts being developed to protect Rome from invaders.

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 was built connecting the fortification with the Vatican.

The castle's name derives from the Archangel Michael whose statue (a relatively recent addition) towers over the building. Legend has it that a pope passing by the building during a plague in the 6th century, saw an image of the sword-bearing Archangel atop the building defeating the plague. Soon after this apparition, the plague ended and the Castel became Castel Sant'Angelo.

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Today this 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 painting, sculptures, ceramics, arms and armor.  The view of Rome from the top of the building is worth seeing.

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