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 | Rome Castel Sant'Angelo Reviews | Tips 51 - 60 of 164 |  |
It would be tiresome for me to describe in detail all the sights of Rome and tiresome for you to read it. Being in Rome just buy a guide-book which turns out to be very helpful. But the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Castle of Saint Angel (in the picture) and the fountains are a must. It is nice to have a rest sitting on the huge staircase of Square of Spain (Piazza di Spagna).
Welcome to my travelogue devoted to the Castle of Saint Angel for more information! Leave a Comment |
This was originally built as a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD), but by the 6th century it was turned into a fortress. The upper terrace is where Puccini's heroine in Tosca threw herself from with the famous cry 'Scarpia, avanti a Dio' (Scarpia, we meet before God). Leave a Comment Address: Lungotevere Castello 50Other Contact: Around 5 Euros entry fee |
Originally the Castello San Angelo was a funeral monument of the emperor Hadrian, the castle is yet another building appropriated by the Catholic church, this time for defensive purposes. Built as the tomb of Hadrian and his relatives and descendants, it became a fortress refuge of the Popes; a tunnel connects the Castello with the Vatikan. It has also been used as a jail and a palace. Various inhabitants have added onto the original structure. The statue on top is of the Archangel Michael. Leave a Comment |
Built since Roman times as Emperor Hadrian's Mausoleum, this fortress evolved during its history. In medieval times, it became linked to the Vatican with an underground tunnel to provide escape for the Pope in case of danger. There is a museum inside and great views of Rome. |
This site was once called Hadrian's Tomb, after the Emporer who made his tomb here. This is the famous Hadrian who made the wall in England....
So much history in the once structure, but most tourists miss it because the tour bus doesn't stop here. Too bad.
Popes were known to take the tunnel trip from the Vatican to Castel Sant' Angelo when the barbarians were banging on the gates of Rome. They also escaped here when things got a little warm from the citizens threatening a riot over the Pope's behavior.
I didn't see any mention of the men who were locked up here while they were being investigated by the Pope for their Christian beliefs, but if you look into the history of this place you will find plenty of instances.
When you reach the top by circular stairs and more, you will look up and see a giant statue of an angel. This was dedicated to the end of the plague, when the citizens, rallied with the Pope marched through the streets. They looked up and saw the angel putting his sword away. The next day, no one was recorded dying. Then the statue was built and placed at the top of Castel San Angelo in memory of this moment.
The view of Rome is excellent all the way around this monument. Take 2 hours and see it. Look for cannon ball hits along the wall outside, there are lots of them that "dented" the structure. Address: On the TiberDirections: Between the Vatican and Piazza Navona. If you are near the Tiber you will see it. Highly recommended. Entrance Fee is Nominal in comparison with other things in Rome. |
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Built, as was the Elian bridge in front, by the Emperor Hadrian (117-138) as a Mausoleum for himself and his successors, it was completed by Antoninus Pius in 139. In 271, the Emperor Aurelian incorporated the pile into the defence system he designed: it lost its function as a tomb to become a fortress.
In 1277 it was occupied by Nicholas II who connected it to the Vatican by the famous corridor, a safety passage which runs along the top of the encircling wall of the Vatican. Hencefort, it remained under the control of the Popes who used it as a fortress, to impress, but also as a prison and a place for torture.
The Castle is divided into five floors:
Floor I from which starts the famous winding ramp about 400 feet long, a stupendous Roman costruction.
Floor II (or floor of the prisons) with horrible cells, called "historical" prisons, and store-rooms for wheat and oil.
Floor III (or military floor) with two big courtyards.
Floor IV (or papal floor) with the loggia of Julius II, by Bramante, in the principal part of the Castle and the papal apartment, consisting of magnificent rooms with frescoes by Giulio Romano, Perin del Vaga and others painters of Raphael's school, the Sala del Tesoro and Cagliostro's Room, the prison cell of the famous alchemist of the 18th century.
Floor V (top floor) with a big terrace, dominated by an Archangel in bronze by Wersschaffelt, from which we have a fine panorama of the city. Leave a Comment Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50Phone: 687 5036Directions: Metro: Lepanto Bus: 23, 64, 87, 280 to Lungotevere Castelo or 34, 49, 70, 81, 186, 926, 990 to Piazza Cavour |
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This building used to be many things... a prison, the mausoleum of Hadrian, a castle, a place of hiding for the pope, in various times when there was a price on his head... I actually did not go inside, but the Ponte Sant Angelo has beautiful Bernini sculptures of angels all along the sides of the bridge. Each angel holds an item from the Crucifixion of Christ: nails, crown of thorns, garment & dice, pillar of scourging, spear of Longinus... they are beautiful, beautiful sculptures by one of the greatest artists in the history of the world. Leave a Comment Address: Vatican area |
Once the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, this was used as a refuge when Rome was under siege after that. Now, I think it's the best place for a fantastic view over Rome--better than St. Peter's Cathedral, since here you can see both St. Peter's and the rest of the city, too. There are some interesting historical displays and artifacts on display in the Castel, but the highlight is the view from the top.
Entrance in 2007 is 8 Euros. I would alllow about 3 hours for a visit here. Leave a Comment |
We came across this by accident and although we didn't go inside, it made for lovely views along the river. Leave a Comment Directions: Head for the main law courts across the river, Vatican side. |
Very nice building with a long history. You have to see it during your trip to Rome. There is very nice view from the top of the castle. Leave a Comment |
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