What to See at Castel Sant’Angelo?

Castel Sant’Angelo has a long and rich history. It was first built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. Later, it was used as a fortress and castle, and served as a papal residence. Today, it houses a museum with art and artifacts from its long history.

Some of the highlights of Castel Sant’Angelo include:

The Mausoleum of Hadrian

This is the original purpose of the castle, built in 139 AD. It’s a cylindrical building, with a height of over 50 meters.

The mausoleum’s original design had a garden top and a golden quadriga as part of the decoration. A year after his passing, together with those of his wife Sabina and first adopted son Lucius Aelius, who both passed away in 138, Hadrian’s ashes were spread here. Following this, the bones of following emperors were also interred here; Caracalla was the last emperor whose remains were interred here in 217. The urns carrying these ashes were presumably deposited in the area of the structure that is today known as the Treasury room. The Pons Aelius, which Hadrian also constructed and which faces directly into the tomb, is notable for its Baroque embellishments of sculptures of angels holding up pieces of the Passion of Christ. It still offers a picturesque approach from the heart of Rome and the right bank of the Tiber.

The mausoleum was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

The Statue of Angel

People say that the Archangel Michael appeared on top of the mausoleum and put his sword away to show that the plague of 590 was over. This is how the castle got its name. A traveler in the 15th century who saw an angel statue on the castle roof heard a less kind but more accurate version of the story. This is because this archangel is known for being aggressive. He says that when the plague was going on for a long time, Pope Gregory I heard that people, even Christians, were starting to worship a pagan idol at the church of Santa Agata in Suburra. The pope was told to lead a procession to the church in a dream. When they got there, the idol fell apart with a sound like thunder. When the pope went back to St. Peter’s over the Aelian Bridge, he had another vision of an angel on top of the castle wiping the blood off his sword on his mantle and then putting it back in its sheath. Even though the pope saw this as a sign that God was happy, Gregory still tore down more places where pagans worshipped in Rome.

Under this story the Castle changed its name to the name that it holds now. In 1753 Peter Anton von Verschaffelt made a bronze statue of St. Michael the Archangel, and it was put up in front of the castle.

The Museum

The museum inside the castle has art and artifacts from its long history, including weapons, armor, sculptures, and paintings.

After a massive 6-year-long restoration campaign, it was inaugurated as a museum by King Vittorio Emanuele III. Inside, visitors can view the famous open-air scenography, restored fifteenth-century shops, numerous works of art, statues, frescoes and even visit the Papal Apartments that are furnished with authentic pieces of history.

The Roof Terrace

From the roof terrace, you can enjoy stunning views over Rome. Millions of travelers come here to take in the views and enjoy the sunset over the city.

Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm

Closed on Monday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th