Commissioned by Adriano to the architect Demetrian as a funeral mausoleum for itself and for family members, the Castel Sant’Angelolocated near the Vatican on the right bank of the Tiber, has changed its function through the centuries. The fortress includes internal courtyards, defensive bastions added over time and the panoramic terrace With the statue of the angel, although perhaps one of the most iconic elements is the Borgo Pasterthe fortified corridor towards the Vatican. Historical stratification is evident in the coexistence of Roman, medieval and Renaissance elements.
Evolution and engineering history of Castel Sant’Angelo
To understand how the structure has evolved over the years from the engineering point of view, it is interesting to describe it by examining the most important historical phases that characterized the life of this important monument.
The Mausoleum of Adriano (2nd century AD)
The original structure was based on square and massive foundations in Opus Caementiciumthat is, in Roman concrete, designed to support the weight of the cylinder and the tumulus above. This technique, with the use of Pozzolana Malta, ensured resistance and durability. The cylindrical body main was also in Opus Caementiciumwith an external coating of travertine blocks connected by metal grappas. The travertine, resistant local stone, contributed to longevity.
A helical ramp internal, in brick and opus caementicium, allowed access to the culmination, highlighting the Roman engineering competence in the management of slopes and forces. The internal sepulchral roomsmade in Opus Caementicium with barrel vaults or cruise, they were functional to the deposition of the imperial polls.
Renaissance interventions (XV-XVI century)
The construction of papal apartments It required engineering skills focused on the creation of large, bright and decorated spaces, while guaranteeing structural solidity. Playing masonry techniques were used, lowered times and plans to create comfortable and representative environments.
The design of internal courtyards and loggias He aimed to define transition and representation spaces, with attention to the distribution of loads, natural lighting and circulation. The realization of a new helical scale In the 16th century, wider and more scenic than the previous Roman ramp, highlights the evolution of construction techniques and greater consideration for the aesthetic aspect.
The construction of the walk
The walk was not just a simple passage, but a real fortified corridor. The thick wallsthe slit for the defensive shot and the possibility of Close sections In the event of an attack, they testify to its function of a safe escape route but also of potential defensive bulwark. The remarkable length of the walk (about 800 meters) represented a significant logistical and constructive challenge, requesting careful planning of the work phases and the supply of materials.
The need to cross densely built areas probably requested agreements with the owners of the buildings and engineering solutions to minimize the inconvenience and guarantee the stability of adjacent buildings. The walkway structure is mainly built in backbonethrough the use of local materials such as the brick (bricks) and the tufflinked with lime mortar. The thickness of the walls, not constant along the stretch, varies according to the defensive needs and the section of the route.
To overcome open spaces and guarantee the stability of the raised path, different types of arcate (all sixth, pointed acute) and times (barrel, cruise). In the newly built sections, they were made foundations adequate to the nature of the soil and the weight of the structure above. In some cases, challenges related to the presence of aquifers or unstable land had to be faced.
Castel Sant’Angelo today
Castel Sant’Angelo, to date, is a museum, that is the National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo. Visitors can explore the different levels of the castle, admiring the Ancient Roman vestigiathe frescoed rooms of the papal apartmentsthe Collections of weapons and armorand enjoy the Breathtaking panoramic view of Rome from the terrace of the angel.
Is one of the Main tourist attractions of Romeattracting visitors from all over the world interested in its history, its architecture and the works of art preserved within it. Constant Conservation and restoration works They are necessary to preserve the structure and works of art inside for future generations.
Because the castle is called like this: the legend behind the name
One of the most popular questions that the Romans are heard, is because this castle is called Castel Sant’Angelo. Castel Sant’Angelo owes its name to a legendary event in the 590 AD during a serious plague epidemic that afflicted Rome. According to tradition, Pope Gregory the Great he was guiding a procession of prayer to invoke the end of the disease when he had a vision of theArchangel Michael On the top of the Mausoleum of Adriano. The archangel was seen Rebound his sworda gesture interpreted as a divine sign that pestilence was about to cease.
In memory of this miraculous appearance and as a sign of thanks for the end of the plague, the mausoleum was renamed Castel Sant’Angelo In honor of the Archangel Michael. Over the centuries, a statue of the Archangel has always been placed on the top of the castle to commemorate the event. The current bronze statue dates back to the eighteenth century.
