Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo 🏰 Castel Sant'Angelo (Italian: Castel Sant'Angelo) is a majestic fortress in Rome, Italy, standing proudly along the Tiber River near the Vatican 🌊⛪. Originally built as a fortress to defend against Gothic invasions, it later served as a prison ⛓️ before being transformed into a luxurious papal palace 👑. Today, it’s a fascinating museum 🖼️ and one of Rome’s top attractions! ✨ A Fortress with a Heavenly Name In the 6th century, Pope Gregory I witnessed an apparition of the Archangel Michael 😇✨ above the castle, giving it its name—"Castle of the Holy Angel." ⚰️ From Imperial Tomb to Papal Stronghold Built between 123-139 AD by Emperor Hadrian as his mausoleum (nicknamed "Hadrian’s Mole" 🏗️), it housed the ashes of: Hadrian himself (d. 138 AD) His wife Sabina His first adopted son, Lucius Aelius Later emperors buried here include Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, and even Caracalla (d. 217 AD). 🏛️ A Museum of Treasures Now the National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo), it displays: Sculptures 🗿 Papal apartments & furniture 🛋️ An impressive collection of ancient weapons ⚔️🛡️ (dating back to Roman times!) 🌟 Why Visit? Walk through 2,000 years of history 📜 Climb to the terrace for breathtaking views of Rome 🌆 See the legendary "Passetto di Borgo" (the secret escape route used by popes!) 🏃♂️💨 A must-see for history buffs, art lovers, and adventure seekers! 🎭🔍 #Castel Sant'Angelo #Italy