Castle of San Angel

Hadrian's Mausoleum, also known as Castel Sant'Angelo, is a fascinating historical site located in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. Commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family, this cylindrical building has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally built between 134 and 139 AD, the mausoleum was a grand structure with a garden top and a golden chariot. It served as the final resting place for Hadrian, his wife Sabina, and his adopted son Lucius Aelius. Over the years, the mausoleum also housed the remains of other emperors, including Caracalla.

After its initial purpose as a tomb, the building was repurposed by the popes as a fortress and castle. It became a strategic military stronghold and was integrated into the Aurelian Walls by Flavius Augustus Honorius in 401. The castle's imposing presence once made it the tallest building in Rome, serving as a symbol of power and protection. Today, Castel Sant'Angelo stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and the chance to explore its impressive architecture and historical significance.

As you wander through the corridors and chambers of Castel Sant'Angelo, you'll encounter a wealth of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the building's evolution over time. From the remnants of its original decorations to the military fortifications added by the popes, each corner of the castle tells a story of Rome's rich heritage. The panoramic views from the top of the castle provide a breathtaking perspective of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Rome from a unique vantage point.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Castel Sant'Angelo is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with a deeper appreciation for Rome's cultural legacy. Explore the ancient corridors, marvel at the intricate details of the building's design, and immerse yourself in the centuries of history that have shaped this iconic landmark. Castel Sant'Angelo is not just a museum or a castle – it's a living testament to the enduring spirit of Rome and a must-see destination for anyone seeking to uncover the secrets of the Eternal City.

Legend holds that the Archangel Michael appeared above the mausoleum, sheathing his sword as a sign of the end of the plague of 590, giving the castle its current name. A less charitable but more appropriate elaboration of the legend, given the militant disposition of this archangel, was heard by the 15th century traveler who saw an angel statue on the castle roof. He relates that during a prolonged plague season, Pope Gregory I heard that the people, including Christians, had begun to worship a pagan idol in the church of St. Agatha in Suburra.

A vision urged the Pope to lead a procession to the church. Upon arrival, the idol miraculously collapsed with a thunderclap. Returning to St. Peter's over the Aelian Bridge, the Pope had another vision of an angel on top of the castle, wiping the blood from his sword on his cloak and then wrapping it around him. While the Pope interpreted this as a sign that God was appeased, this did not prevent Gregory from destroying more sites of pagan worship in Rome.

The popes converted the structure into a castle, beginning in the 14th century; Pope Nicholas III connected the castle to St. Peter's Basilica by a covered fortified corridor called Passetto di Borgo. The fortress was Pope Clement VII's refuge from the siege of Charles V's Landsknechte during the Sack of Rome (1527), in which Benvenuto Cellini describes walking along the walls and shooting at enemy soldiers.