My first year in Rome has gone by too quickly.  At this point I don’t think I will get to the last few unpacked boxes in my apartment before its time to move again.  I arrived in the middle of the summer heat wave last year and one of the few things I did in my first month was to join a group of friends on an evening tour of Castel Sant’Angelo.  Between jet lag and the heat I don’t recall much of that visit.

There was another special museum night event on July 2 throughout Italy, which provided the perfect excuse to visit Castel Sant Angelo (for a token one euro entrance fee).  The terrace at Castel Sant’Angelo provides an amazing view of the Vatican and Roman skyline during the day or at night.  From July through September, there is also a special summer concert series at night (http://www.castelsantangeloestate.it/defaulteng.htm).

Roman emperor Hadrian initially commissioned Castel Sant’Angelo in AD 123 as a mausoleum.  Throughout history, it has been used for varying purposes.  The Vatican fortified the structure in the Middle Ages and used it both as a fortress and castle.

The current name is said to be based an old legend in which Archangel Michael was seen atop the castle with his sword drawn to indicate the ending of the plague of 590 AD, which had ravaged Rome.

A statue of the archangel is placed prominently atop the monument.   Pope Clement IX commissioned famous Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the statues that line the bridge to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo was featured prominently in Dan Brown’s book Angels & Demons and in the subsequent film starring Tom Hanks.  There are many passageways (both ornate and creepy) to explore.

We were able to wander around late at night since many of the rooms were deserted.  Most likely because Italy was playing Germany in the Euro tournament and the game went into penalty kicks.

Although much of the original Roman artifacts were looted during the sacking of Rome in 410, there is still much to see including old armaments and the ornate interior.

The gilded ceilings and frescos rival any European palace.

Remember to save some time to enjoy the views and a cocktail from the cafe.

The reviews for the food service were mixed so we had dinner nearby before the visit, but the view of the Vatican lit up at night is worth a break at the cafe.