Castel - Sant Angelo Italy Rome Landmark By The Tiber<< >>
The Castel Sant Angelo Italia has a chequered and interesting history. The distinctive pillbox shape topped by the statue of the Archangel St. Michael, sits on a scenic bend on the bank of the River Tiber. It is one of Rome’s most visited landmarks as tourists and locals alike walk its ramparts and terraces. It now functions as a National Museum.
The building of this landmark began in one hundred and twenty three AD on the command of the emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, Hadrian. The ‘Hadrianeum’ was the mausoleum that Emperor Hadrian built for himself and his successors. It was finished in one hundred and thirty nine AD, a year after the emperor's death, by his successor Antoninus Pious.
In medieval times , the mausoleum changed its function to a defensive fort that protected the northern entrance of the city. The Roman Catholic Church oversaw the construction of a covered fortified corridor that was connected the fortress to the Vatican. This was to be an escape route and a way to protect and preserve the churches treasures. The treasury room at the centre of the fort was designed and modified during the Renaissance. The castle was also used to store reserves of food in the event of an attack. The castle has also been used in the past as a terrifying prison and many people have met a sad end from here.
For a glimpse into the Renaissance period a visit to the Apartments of the Popes will give you a taster of that period. The Pauline hall has a marvellous sixteenth century ceiling while the Apollo hall has a terrific carved fireplace from the fifteenth century. In the center of the Treasure Room stands the large coffer of the Vatican Treasury, which was built in the room itself. If you measure the chest you will discover how that the dimensions to not allow the box to be removed from the room. For a wonderful view of the Ponte Sant’Angelo, go to the Loggia of Julius the second. There are also sculptures to see that are scattered around the Castel Sant Angelo but the most important works ere kept in the Column Room. There is also a very good picture gallery as well as the Armoury that houses equipment, uniforms and weapons that relate to the Castel Sant’ Angelo and the city of Rome from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.
For a tremendous panoramic view over modern day Rome climb up to the ‘Terrace of the Angel’ and get some great photographs. From the ramparts you can see all the way to the Terminillo Mountain. Other well know sites on view are the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Victor Emmanuele Monument and Saint Peter’s. When visiting Rome cross over the Sant’Angelo bridge for a wonderful visit to the Castello Sant Angelo.
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