A millennia-old stunning fortress that’s perfect for photos—where angels once stood on the most beautiful bridge

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei   Photos by MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei
 
A gentle summer breeze cools the river surface, while the blazing sun above shines boldly on the stone statues. This is the most picturesque view along the Tiber River. From one end of the bridge, you can gaze at the magnificent imperial mausoleum, and right next to it is the spiritual center of global Catholicism—Vatican City. The blue sky and white clouds set off the spectacular castle, complemented by the angel sculptures on the bridge, creating a scene as beautiful as a painting.

Castel Sant’Angelo is located along the Tiber River in Rome, Italy, near Vatican City. Originally built as a fortress to defend against invasions by the Visigoths from the East and West, it later served as a prison before being transformed into a luxurious residence for the Popes of Rome. Today, it functions as a museum.

Castel Sant’Angelo was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, whose ashes were placed here. The entire mausoleum consists of a square base inlaid with marble, decorative friezes, and corner pilasters. However, most of its contents and decorations disappeared after it was repurposed as a military fortress.

Later, Roman Emperor Aurelian damaged the structure of the mausoleum while constructing the Aurelian Walls. During the Sack of Rome, the ashes of the emperors were even discarded by the Visigoths, eventually ending up in St. Peter’s Basilica, where they were preserved following the Renaissance.

The origins of Castel Sant’Angelo date back to the year 590 when a plague struck Rome. The Pope organized a penitential procession to dispel the plague. As the procession passed Hadrian’s Mausoleum, the Pope reportedly saw the Archangel Michael, which was regarded as a miracle signaling the end of the plague. Since then, Romans have called it Castel Sant’Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel).