Ponte Sant’Angelo
Ponte Sant’Angelo stands as a testament to Roman engineering and artistic prowess, with its combination of ancient architecture and Baroque sculpture creating a memorable and symbolic crossing over the Tiber River.
Compared to the two previous bridges Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome is rather young. Emperor Hadrian had it built in 134 AD as a direct access to his mausoleum, today’s Castel Sant’Angelo. Therefore, back in time the bridge was called Hadrian Bridge. In 1535 Pope Clement VII had statues of the two Apostles Peter and Paul built at the entrance. In 1669 the facade was rebuilt and 10 statues of angels were erected on the bridge according to the model and design of Bernini. The river walls were built in 1893 as a protection against flooding, and the ramps leading from the banks of the Tiber to the bridge were replaced by two arches crossing the banks of the Tiber. This is when the bridge got today’s look.
Surely, you feel the special atmosphere when crossing this impressive bridge with its beautiful statues of angels and the two saints. You can take wonderful pictures of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica through the bridge railing. When visiting Ponte Sant’Angelo, do not miss to visit the Castel Sant’Angelo as well!
But be careful: You will very often find street vendors selling illegal goods on Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome. You risk high penalties when buying counterfeit products.
All Hop-on hop-off buses stop near the Castel Sant’Angelo. Numerous buses of the public transport system also stop at the stations Ponte Vittorio Emanuele and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Ponte Sant’Angelo, also known as the Bridge of Angels, is a historic bridge in Rome, Italy.
- Location:
- Ponte Sant’Angelo spans the Tiber River, connecting the city center of Rome with the Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Construction Period:
- The bridge was originally constructed between 134 and 139 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian to connect the city center with his newly built mausoleum, which later became the Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Architectural Features:
- The bridge is characterized by its Roman arches and is made of travertine marble. It has a total of ten arches: five on each side.
- Statues of Angels:
- The most distinctive feature of Ponte Sant’Angelo is the series of ten angel statues adorning the bridge. The statues, created by the Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his students, represent angels holding instruments of the Passion of Christ.
- Historical Names:
- The bridge has undergone name changes over the centuries. It was initially known as the Pons Aelius, named after Hadrian (whose full name was Publius Aelius Hadrianus). The current name, Ponte Sant’Angelo, reflects the presence of the angelic statues.
- Symbolic Meaning:
- The angel statues were commissioned by Pope Clement IX in the 17th century to symbolize the Christian hope of redemption and serve as a reminder of the connection between the city and the Vatican.
- Restorations:
- Over the years, Ponte Sant’Angelo has undergone several restorations to preserve its architectural and historical significance.
- Proximity to Castel Sant’Angelo:
- The bridge leads directly to Castel Sant’Angelo, a cylindrical fortress that served various purposes throughout history, including as a mausoleum, papal residence, and prison.
- Views of St. Peter’s Basilica:
- Ponte Sant’Angelo offers panoramic views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
- Historical Events:
- The bridge has witnessed various historical events, including processions, celebrations, and significant moments in the history of Rome.
- Accessibility:
- Ponte Sant’Angelo is accessible to pedestrians and provides a scenic route for those exploring the area around the Tiber River and the Vatican.
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