Castel Sant'Angelo
The Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the main attractions of Italy and is located in Rome near the Vatican City on the banks of the Tiber River. Today it is an architectural monument-museum. And during its existence, it was both a tomb, a prison, and the residence of the popes, all this makes up the history of the castle.
The construction of the Castle of St. Angelo began in 135 with the aim of creating graves for the family of Emperor Adrian. But he did not find the completion of the work, his heir Antonin Pius completed the construction in 139. The mausoleum was cubic in shape, lined with Carrara marble.
It was practically turned into a cemetery, where emperors and family members were buried. The names of those buried in the mausoleum are written on one of the friezes. For two centuries, the mausoleum was almost forgotten, and then rebuilt into a military fortress, which served as protection from attacks.
The name of the castle is named after the Archangel Michael, who was seen on the roof of the castle in 590 at the height of the plague. Soon the plague was gone, and the figure of an archangel was erected in honor of this. Since that time, the tomb castle acquired a sacred status and became known as the Castle of the Holy Angel. To date, the sixth figure has already been erected.
Today, the castle houses the National Museum, one of the most visited in Rome, which is a maze of 58 rooms spread over five floors. The interior of the rooms belongs to different periods. Right next to the ticket offices, you can see a model of the fortress in different eras of its existence.
The Castle of St. Angel Museum features ramparts, papal apartments, an armory gallery, and the Palace of Glory. The castle has a Secret Archive, a Treasure Room, and a library. It houses a collection of ancient paintings, sculptures and ancient weapons. The castle walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. On the third floor there is a chapel, painted by Michelangelo.
At exactly noon, a cannon is fired, notifying the exact time. An exciting fact is that there is still an underground passage connecting the castle with the Vatican.
The National Museum of St. Angel's Castle attracts both ordinary tourists and famous poets and artists who receive a boost of energy and inspiration here.
The St. Angel Bridge, which leads to the castle itself, also attracts interest. Statuettes of angels by Bernini are located along its entire length. It is a favorite destination for photographers, artists, and merchants.
