- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 139 · 2nd century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Architect
- Decriannus
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 41.9030°, 12.4663°
History
The building began in the 2nd century as a monumental mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, where several of his successors were also laid to rest. In late antiquity it was incorporated into Rome's walls, and in the Middle Ages it became a fortress commanding the Tiber crossing and the road to St Peter's. The popes strengthened it and linked it to the Vatican by the raised Passetto di Borgo corridor, along which Clement VII fled during the Sack of Rome in 1527. It also served as a prison, holding among others Giordano Bruno and the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. Since the early 20th century it has housed a national museum.
What to see
A Roman spiral ramp climbs from the old burial chamber to the upper floors, where you find frescoed Renaissance papal apartments, an armoury and former prison cells. The terrace beneath the statue of the Archangel Michael offers a panorama of Rome with the dome of St Peter's. In front of the castle the Ponte Sant'Angelo is lined with Baroque statues of angels.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q486382
Popularity: articles about this site in 58 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).