Just east of the Vatican City, Italy lies Parco Adriano, home to Castel Sant’Angelo. In a city like Rome, brimming with history and culture, Castel Sant’Angelo is often overlooked by tourists. A tourist visiting a foreign country usually believes that they should only visit the most famous spots of a city; little do they know that Castel Sant’Angelo was once the tallest building in Rome and is still a priceless site to behold.

  • Who was Emperor Hadrian?
    • Emperor Hadrian was the 14th emperor of the Roman Empire and reigned until his death in 138 A.D.. He assisted in rebuilding the Pantheon in Rome and wanted to build a mausoleum for himself and his family.
  • What was Hadrian’s legacy?
    • Hadrian wanted his legacy to continue even after his death and the death of his family. The mausoleum he planned was not completed at the time of his demise, so his remains were moved twice before finally resting at Castel Sant’Angelo.
  • When was Castel Sant’Angelo constructed?
    • The mausoleum was constructed between 134 and 139 A.D.. It was later named Castel Sant’Angelo after the Archangel Michael.
  • Who is buried in Castel Sant’Angelo?
    • The castel holds the ashes of Hadrian, his wife, and his adoptive son, Lucius. Over the years, other emperors and nobles were also laid to rest there.
  • How was Castel Sant’Angelo used after Hadrian’s death?
    • In 401 A.D., it was used as a military fortress, which led to the destruction of parts of the structure.
  • What happened to Hadrian’s urn and other artifacts?
    • Due to constant attacks on Rome, many urns and artifacts were thought to be destroyed. However, Hadrian’s remains are believed to have been recovered and now reside in St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • How was Castel Sant’Angelo used during the Papal State?
    • The castel was used as a prison during the Papal State.
  • When did Castel Sant’Angelo become a museum?
    • Since 1901, Castel Sant’Angelo has been known as a national museum.
  • What statue is at the top of Castel Sant’Angelo?
    • A statue of the Archangel Michael is located at the top of the castel. He is said to be the protector of Castel Sant’Angelo.
  • What is the legend of the Archangel Michael?
    • According to legends, the Archangel Michael stopped battles from happening near the castel to prevent further damage and casualties.
  • How many levels does Castel Sant’Angelo have?
    • There are seven official levels of Castel Sant’Angelo, each depicting a different part of Rome’s history.
  • What can visitors see on the first level?
    • The first level houses the courtyard.
  • What is located on the second level?
    • The second level contains the famous mausoleum, where Hadrian’s urn was once kept.
  • How was the third level used?
    • The third level was first used as a prison, then later as a warehouse and storage unit.
  • What is special about the fourth level?
    • The fourth level was used for military purposes as well as papal use. It contains 58 rooms that house paintings, furniture, and weapons.
  • What can visitors see on the fifth level?
    • The fifth level was used as papal apartments and is beautifully decorated with frescos by Giulio Romano and students of the School of Raphael.
  • What is on the sixth level?
    • The sixth level contains a “treasure room” filled with frescos and paintings. It also has a library room that holds more frescos and paintings than books.
  • What can visitors see on the seventh level?
    • The seventh level is home to the famous statue of the Archangel Michael. A beautiful panoramic view is visible from this level.
  • What is the secret passageway of Castel Sant’Angelo?
    • There is a secret passageway used by the Popes that leads from St. Peter’s Basilica to Castel Sant’Angelo.
  • Why was the secret passageway built?
    • The passage was built to keep the Pope safe in case St. Peter’s Basilica was under attack and he needed a place to hide.
  • Can the public access the secret passageway?
    • The secret passage is no longer secret, but the public does not have access to it.
  • Where is Castel Sant’Angelo located?
    • The Castel Sant’Angelo is located on Luongotevere Castello road in Rome, Italy.
  • What landmarks are near Castel Sant’Angelo?
    • It is easily accessible by foot from the Palazzo of Justice and the Saint Spirit Hospital. It is also within meters of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.

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