Castel Sant'Angelo was built in 135 AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. There were no tombs allowed within Rome's walls during that time, so Emperor Hadrian selected this commanding location across the river for the site of his imposing tomb. This large (21 meters high and 64 meters wide) cylindrical tomb served as a burial place for Roman emperors for a hundred years before being turned into a military fortress. In 1901 it was converted into its present form as a museum.

The military museum does have some interesting armor and weapons on display, but it is only a small part of the attraction of Castel Sant'Angelo. Other things to see include the splendor of the Papal Apartments with its treasury, and the fantastic panoramic views of Rome at the top. There is also a long spiraling ramp inside that takes you from the Roman floor to the top. Another interesting feature is the passageway that connects the fortress to the Vatican palaces (not opened to the public).

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Last edited on Feb 10, 08 9:24 PM.
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Marjolijn D.

Aug 24, 2009

Lovely castle with a very long history, it started out as a mausoleum, guarded Vatican city as a castle and is now one of the most important tourist attractions in Rome. From the top you have a good view over Vatican city and the river Tiber. The museum is pretty good and interesting. Try to pass by here in the evening, the statue of the angel is illuminated beautifully at night and in combination with the gorgous bridge in front of it makes it all just picture perfect.

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Ils J.

Sep 21, 2010

The castle is named after an angel but his first destination was a mauseleum, than it became a fortress for the popes, barracks for the Italian army, but nowadays it is a weaponry museum where you can find some temporary exhibition and somethimes the have a concert in the castle. You can walk all the way up to the castle where you can find a statue of the famous angle which was named by Gregory I after the angel declared the end of the plague in Rome in 590.

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Ivana L.

May 18, 2009

The castle is exquisite. The history is very interesting, its becoming even more well known due to the Angels and Demons book. From the top of the castle you have a spectacular view of the Vatican as well as Rome. The bridge under the castle Ponte Sant'Angelo is also breathtaking. You can take a tour of the castle as well as go by boat on the river under it. Its definately one of the must sees in Rome.

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Kate H.

Apr 14, 2010

A beautiful place to visit in Rome! I loved the history, and the views from the top are fantastic - you can get a great view of the Vatican from here! And Bernini's angel statues on the bridge are incredible, even if you don't have time to visit inside the castle at the very least see the bridge!

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Ioannis G.

Aug 7, 2009

While preparing for my trip to Italy, i was searching for photos in Google Earth. The moment i saw pictures of this place, i added it in my to-do list. Can be combined to the visit to Vatican city.

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