★★★★★ 5.0
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Castel Sant'Angelo
The tallest building in ancient Rome was built for dead people. Standing here looking at this massive stone cylinder, you're seeing what Emperor Hadrian constructed between 135 and 139 CE as his family tomb. During the 537 siege, defenders actually hurled those decorative statues from the ramparts at attacking Goths below. See that elevated walkway above you? That's the Passetto di Borgo—the pope's secret escape tunnel to Vatican. Inside, seven levels take you from ancient burial chambers to Renaissance papal apartments where sculptor Benvenuto Cellini was imprisoned and famously escaped during a party. The angelic name? Pope Gregory I's vision during the 590 plague. From the rooftop terrace, you'll stand where emperors planned eternity and popes plotted survival.
Did You Know?
- Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD and later became a papal fortress, playing a significant role in Rome's defense during the Middle Ages, particularly during the barbarian invasions.
- The castle is famous for its association with the legend of the Archangel Michael, who appeared on its summit during a plague in 590 AD, marking the end of the epidemic and giving the castle its modern name.
- Castel Sant'Angelo has hosted notable historical figures, including Pope Clement VII, who took refuge there during the sack of Rome in 1527, and contains lavish Renaissance decorations, including a bedroom attributed to Raphael.