Ponte Sant Angelo Rome
Ponte Sant Angelo is located in Rome, Italy. It was first known as the Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius, meaning the Bridge of Hadrian. Ponte Sant Angelo is one of Rome’s oldest and most famous bridges. This magnificent bridge was completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian to stretch over the River Tiber. Hadrian originally had the bridge built as a passage to his mausoleum. It later became the best way for the people to get to the Vatican. Pope Gregory I renamed both the castle and the bridge Sant’Angelo. The reason for the name change was legend says an angel appeared on the roof of the castle to announce the end of the plague. The great Bernini added the ten angels that line this stunning bridge later. The marble statues each hold symbols related with the Crucifixion of Christ. People say this was one of Bernini’s last large projects.
Ponte Sant Angelo is pedestrian traffic only. It is a great place to take some memorable photos. You really can’t take a bad picture at this site with the Castel Sant Angelo in one direction and St Peter’s Dome in another. The day I went to see Ponte Sant Angelo there was a lucky young couple having their wedding photos taken in this picturesque part of Rome. I can only imagine how beautiful the pictures came out.
If you get a chance like I did, you should visit Ponte Sant Angelo during the day and at night. This historic bridge is in the shadow of the Castel Sant Angelo. Extraordinary views of the river and St Peters and knowing you are walking on a bridge built by Hadrian. During the evening the lights of the Eternal City and the illumination of the castle Sant Angelo are stunning.
Ponte Sant Angelo might be a little crowded from the street vendors, musicians and tourist taking photos. However it is well worth stopping by on your way to something else. There are a few museums and historical sites nearby. It is in walking distance of Piazza Navona, including the Vatican and Vatican Museums. You should definitely add this bridge on your way to or from another destination.
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Address: Ponte Sant Angelo, 00186 Rome, Italy
Castel Sant’Angelo is attached to the bridge Ponte Sant’Angelo. If you stay on that side of the Tiber River and turn your head while standing in front of the Sant’Angelo castle, you will view Saint Peter’s Basilica and Saint Peter’s square in the distance. If you walk along the Vatican walls you will reach the Vatican Museum.
