17 October 2011
Posted in
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Originally built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, as a Mausoleum for him and his family it was used to be called Hadrian’s mole, its actual name derives from a legend. All took place in 590, when Rome’s inhabitants were being decimated by terrible plague. To stop the pestilence, the newly elected pope Gregorio Magno called all people to take part in the religious procession. While all those god fearing and religious people were passing by Emperor’s tomb, an archangel Michel appeared atop the building while taking his sword from its sheath. It was taken a sign of the end of the plague, which really finished shortly after. From this moment on, the building took a name of Castel Sant’ Angelo (the castle of Saint Angel).
Now days the Castle holds in its interiors a museum, called Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’ Angelo with 4 wonderful and rare collections of: ceramics, sculptures, paintings and armory. The vast collection of ceramics actually is not accessible to public, but it contains some unique pieces from different epochs, starting with ancient pieces from Vatican’s necropolis trough out middle age to renaissance. The most interesting part of collection are some tiles from the Borgia period.
Inside the castle visitors have opportunity to admire a huge collection of sculptures, located all over around the building. Starting from sepulchral effigies from ancient times, to the undisputable treasure of the collection: the San Michele Michele Arcangelo by Michele Bracci, which was created to adorn the altar of the pope Leo X, and some other notorious pieces. The paintings collection covers period from 14th to 18th centuries, and mostly contains pieces from Cantini Bonacossi ans Menotti collections. Among most notprious there are:” Madonna in trono con il bambino e i santi” (Enthroned Madonna with child and saints), “Le storie di san Giovanni Battista” (John the Baptist stories) and “Cristo Benedicente” (Blessing Christ). Great interest from visitors takes the armory, which extends to four halls, every of which represents a period in armor, starting from 15th century to early 20th century. All of exposed weapons have verified authenticity.
So if fascinated by Dan Brown and his novel you decide to visit Rome and their beautiful Castle in particular, there is one wonderful place for your stay and not only:
Hilton Rome Cavalieri
