select
Travel back in time while exploring the legendary Hadrian's mausoleum
Visit the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo for a trip through history. This Roman landmark, with a rich past as an imperial mausoleum, fortress, and prison, now stands as a monument-cum-museum. Built in the 2nd century A.D. by emperor Hadrian, it was initially constructed to serve as a sanctuary for the emperor and his dynasty. Over time, it evolved into a vital part of Rome's fortifications, earning the name "castellum." In the early Middle Ages, the legend gave it a new name—sancti Angeli. According to the story, Pope Gregory the Great saw a vision of archangel Michael sheathing his sword in 590, symbolizing the end of a plague.