Castel Sant'Angelo
Now Castel Sant’ Angelo, but when it was constructed between 130 to 139 AD, it
was Roman Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum.
The mausoleum originally was a cylinder with a garden top somewhat
similar to Augustus’ mausoleum.
The bridge approaching the Castel Sant’Aangelo was originally part of Hadrian’s
construction commission, with the angel statues being added much later.
Hadrian’s ash remains were placed there in 139 AD.
The ash remains of his wife, Sabina, were also placed therein. Succeeding
emperors' ashes were also placed there up to Emperor Caracalla in 217 AD.
The castle takes its name from Archangel Saint Michael, whose statue caps the
building
In the 14 century, the mausoleum was converted, by the popes, to a castle and
fort. A secret, covered escape walkway was
constructed between Saint Peter’s and the castle.
Also, at times, the popes used the building as a prison.
Pictures by Tom Aprille ( tomaprille@quartomese.com )