February theme-CastlesCastelo de San Angelo
One of the landmarks visited by the family when my brother was still staying in Italy.
It was built in Rome by the Emperor Hadrian. It was originally created as a tomb but was mostly used as a defense fortress. From its top place, a wonderful view of Rome is presented.
Its original structure was begun in 139 by emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum personal and family (tombs of Adriano), come to be completed by Antoninus Pius in 139. The monument, in travertine, was adorned by a quadriga in bronze, led by Adriano.
Soon, however, its role has changed and is used as a military building.In that capacity, joined the Aurelian Walls at 403.
ts current name dates back to 590, during a major epidemic of plague that struck Rome. At that time, Pope Gregory I said have seen the St. Michael Archangel on the top of the castle, which embainhava your sword, indicating the end of the epidemic. To celebrate this appearance, a statue of an angel crown the building: originally a marble from the Raffaello Montelupo, and since 1753, a bronze statue of Pierre van Verschaffelt on an outline Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
During medieval times this was the most important strongholds belonging to the Popes. Also served as prison for many patriots at the time of the movement of unification of Italy occurred in the nineteenth century.
From its terrace above, it has a magnificent view of the Tiber, the buildings of the city and even the domo top of St. Peter's Basilica.
