Top of the Castel Sant’Angelo

Top of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

Top of Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome

When people visit the Castel Sant’Angelo, everyone’s goal is to be able to get to the top of the castle. There is something about tall structures that make you want to climb to the very top. Although the Castel Sant’Angelo is not a very tall structure, for a while it was the tallest structure in the entire city of Rome. Not really surprising since this was built for an emperor. It was subsequently occupied by the popes. The basic layout of the castle remained the same throughout the centuries but the eras have left their imprint on the castle.

Statue of Saint Michael on Top of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

Statue of Saint Michael on Top of Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome

The Castel Sant’Angelo is a tomb built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. When the castle was occupied by the popes, large parts of the castle were “Christianized”. If you have been to a baroque church, imagine that transplanted into the Castle Sant’Angelo. A lot of popes were known to be lovers of art, so it is not surprising to see church designs found in the castle. At the very top of the castle is the highlight of the structure. It was added by the Christian era. It is a statue of Saint Michael. I’m not sure I like the idea of old structures being “corrupted” by newer eras. I don’t think there is much people can do but hope that new eras have better respect of older cultures.

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