Rome, Italy is best known for its stunning museums, eye-opening architecture and, of course, the Vatican City it surrounds. Given the ancient age of many of its buildings, it comes as no surprise the many secrets to be discovered throughout. One such building housing its own fair share of secrets is the Castel Sant’Angelo, a haven for religious officials as early as 590 AD!
The great Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy.
A Roman icon
The Castel Sant’Angelo was originally erected in approximately 135-139 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian as a burial place for emperors. Since that time, it’s gone through a number of purposes, including:
- a stronghold in the 5th century,
- a prison,
- a barracks,
- and a museum, as it is today.
Its extensive history makes it a distinct Roman icon that celebrates the long history of Rome. The majority of the time it’s been standing has been spent as a refuge for popes and other military officials. In fact, its name stems from 590 AD when Pope Gregory the Great claimed St. Michael appeared above the castle in a vision, signifying the end of the plague.
The secrets of Castel Sant’Angelo
Just as you’d expect from an ancient castle, Castel Sant’Angelo has its share of secrets. One of the biggest ones, although not much of a secret now, is the 2,600-foot passageway between the Vatican City and the Castel Sant’Angelo. It was used as an escape route for many Popes over the hundreds of years in dire situations.
Being also used as a prison and barracks, there are many rooms that look like an ordinary room to us now but had dark purposes in their day. What may be a gallery now could have been used to interrogate prisoners hundreds of years ago.
Which rooms? Well, that remains a mystery.
Travel to Rome and see Castel Sant’Angelo in person!
AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
AESU offers several trips to Italy, including: Cosmopolitan, Explorer, Euro Focus, Great Escape, Viva Italia, and Euro Spree. Explore Italy and its ancient architecture, plus visit Castel Sant’Angelo in Italy and investigate its secrets and mysteries.
Also, book now and pay for your tour in full by January 29th, 2016 and save up to $250 on your trip! Click here for more details.
If you have any questions or want help booking your Rome adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website!