Castel Sant'Angelo

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy, Italy

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Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s most famous historic landmarks, located on the banks of the Tiber River near Vatican City.

It was originally built between 123 and 139 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Over the centuries, the structure was transformed from an imperial tomb into a military fortress, a papal residence, a prison, and a place of refuge for popes during times of conflict.

Its name comes from a medieval legend in which Pope Gregory I saw the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword above the building, signaling the end of a plague in Rome. Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum that showcases nearly 2,000 years of history. Visitors can explore its ancient chambers, defensive walls, and papal apartments while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Rome from its terraces.