Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Castel Sant'Angelo


CASTEL SANT'ANGELO
Built as a cylindrical mausoleum by Rome's Emperor Hadrian on the Tiber near what is now the Vatican, Castel Sant Angelo was converted into a military fortress before the Pope fortified it in the 14th century, and connected it to The Vatican by a secret passage so that Popes could take refuge there when under siege. Castel Sant'Angelo is named after the statue of Archangel Michele (Michael) on top. It is now a museum, the Museo Nazionale de Castel Sant'Angelo, and a visit there is rendered even more interesting by having a coffee on the terrace, with its stunning view of Rome, particularly at sunset.

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