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Castel Sant'Angelo

This fortress which stood at the entrance to Vatican for centuries was begun by Hadrian around 128 as a mausoleum for him and his family. The mausoleum was finished in 139 and Hadrian and many succeeding emperors were buried here. By the 6th century the building was gradually transformed into a castle and it was used to protect the popes for nearly 1000 years. According to legend the name of the castle was given during the plague of 590 when Pope Gregory the Great who was passing nearby had a vision of an angel sheathing his sword atop the stone walls.

In front of the castle stands Ponte Sant'Angelo (Bridge of Angels) which was built by Hadrian as a suitable approach to his mausoleum. The bridge was transformed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini who designed the ten statues of Angels.
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