An architectural marvel by the Tiber River
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel S’Angelo stands on the banks of the Tiber River like an ancient guardian of Rome. It was one of Goethe‘s favorite places during his trip to the capital – a place to be rediscovered.
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has been transformed over the centuries into a fortress, a prison and a papal residence.
This layering of uses and meanings fascinated Goethe, who saw Castel S’Angelo as a perfect metaphor for Rome: a city that preserves the memory of the past while constantly changing.
Before you is a place full of charm, where you can find Renaissance frescoes, ancient armor, and breathtaking views of the river which sweep up to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rome's artistic beating heart
Here you can admire the Sala Paolina (Pauline Hall) with its painted walls and decorations by Perin del Vaga, the picturesque Terrazza dell’Angelo (Angel’s Terrace) with the bronze statue of the Archangel Michael, the ancient Sala dell’Apollo (Apollo Hall), which became the papal quarter, the Sala della Biblioteca (Library Hall) with the secret papal archives, and the Sala della Giustizia (Justice Hall), where the death sentence of Giordano Bruno was issued.
It is a castle with a strong connection to the city of Rome. It is its beating heart and a symbol of strength and resilience.
Castel S’Angelo was bright and festive in Goethe’s time. He remembers it as follows: “The great feast of Saints Peter and Paul has also finally arrived; yesterday we saw the dome lit and fireworks from the castle. The sky was beautiful and clear, the moon was so full that it dimmed the brightness of the lights, and everything was like a fairy tale. It is a magnificent and enchanting sight to see the church and its dome, with their beautiful shapes as if wrapped in a ribbon of fire.“
