Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s most famous and iconic monuments, and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Located on the banks of the Tiber River, the castle has been used for centuries as a fortress, papal residence, and prison, and is now a museum housing a vast collection of artworks and historical artifacts. With its imposing architecture and rich history, Castel Sant’Angelo is a must-visit for visitors of all ages and interests.

History and Architecture

Castel Sant’Angelo was built in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family, and was later transformed into a fortress and papal residence. Its imposing stone and brick structure stands approximately 175 meters tall and features a series of towers, bastions, and defensive walls that reflect its long history and defensive role. The castle is connected to the city via a bridge that spans the Tiber River and is adorned with marble statues of angels.

Castel Sant’Angelo gets its name from the legend that an angel appeared on its top in 590 AD, announcing the end of the plague that was ravaging the city of Rome. Since then, the castle has been associated with angels and divine protection, and has played an important role in the history and culture of the city.

Uses and Functions

Over the centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo has been used for a variety of purposes, including as an imperial mausoleum, military fortress, and papal residence. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a prison for enemies of the state and political prisoners, who were imprisoned in its dungeons and tortured to death. During the Renaissance, the castle was transformed into a papal residence and was decorated with artworks and furnishings that reflected the wealth and power of the popes.

In the centuries that followed, Castel Sant’Angelo served as a barracks, warehouse, and military prison before being transformed into a museum in the 19th century. Today, the castle houses a vast collection of artworks and historical artifacts that document its long history and its role in the history of Rome.

Visiting Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is open to visitors of all ages and interests, and offers a wide range of attractions and activities to explore. Visitors can tour the castle and admire its imposing architecture and the artworks inside, explore its towers and bastions, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Rome and the Tiber River from its top. With guided tours available in multiple languages and priority access available for pre-booked tickets, Castel Sant’Angelo is an unmissable experience for visitors of all ages and interests. With its beauty and rich history, Castel Sant’Angelo is a unique place that offers visitors an unforgettable experience.