Added by michele aceaustin.wordpress.com/tag/castel-sant-angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo was built around 2nd century BC as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. It was once the tallest building in Rome. According to legends Archangel Michael materialized on top of the mausoleum of Hadrian. It was considered an answer to prayers and a sign that the plague in Rome is comming to an end.
In the 14th century Pope Nicholas III connected Castel St. Angelo to St. Peter's Basilica by a fortified walkway called the Passetto di Borgo. It was used as an escape passage by several Popes in danger.
From the Castel there is a wonderful view of Rome, the Vatican and its sights.