The Most Beautiful Bridge in Rome

Map

Castel Sant' Angelo & Ponte Sant' Angelo

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The Ponte Sant’ Angelo was constructed in 134, during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (r. 117-138). The bridge was first known as Pons Aelius and served as a triumphal approach from the city to the mausoleum that Hadrian (whose full name was Publius Aelius Hadrianus) had just had built. 

The bridge was later called the Pons Sancti Petri, as it was used by pilgrims to reach St Peter's Basilica. It was only at the end of the sixth century that it came to be known as the Ponte Sant' Angelo, following the transformation of the mausoleum into the Castel Sant’ Angelo. 

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Ponte Sant' Angelo

Angel with Veronica's Veil (Sudarium) by Cosimo Fancelli

Angel with Lance by Domenico Guidi

Angel with the Cross by Ercole Ferrata

Angel with Column by Antonio Raggi

'Angel and the Titulus' by Giulio Cartari

Angel with Titulus by Bernini, Sant' Andrea della Fratte

Angel with Crown of Thorns by Bernini, Sant' Andrea della Fratte