Located on the Tiber River and only a short stroll from Vatican City, the stunning Castel Sant’ Angelo is an iconic monument to the city’s rich history. The Castel Sant’ Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 130, lending to its alternative name of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, then later converted into a papal fortress, a prison, a private residence and finally a national museum.
The current name, Castel Sant’ Angelo, is derived from a medieval legend; in 590 the Archangel Michael appeared to Pope Gregory the Great, while he was isolated in the fortress as a plague savaged Rome. To the Pope’s delight, St. Michael announced the end of a plague.
At the Castel Sant’ Angelo you can discover Roman history, explore passages, papal apartments and quarters, admire an impressive collection of sculptures, weapons and, best of all, frescoes from the Renaissance period.
And before you leave, don’t forget to spend some time wandering around the castle’s terrace which offers magnificent views across Rome.
Below, we have compiled some of our favorite photos of Castel Sant’ Angelo to give you a flavor of what you can expect while visiting this amazing place.
View from Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
View from Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
View from Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
View from Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
View from Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
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Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy. Credit: Carry on Caro
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