- Address: Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome 00186, Italy
- Hours:
- Admission: Free
Ponte Sant'Angelo
Ponte Sant'Angelo is the bridge across the Tiber River leading from the centre of Rome to the Castel Sant'Angelo, once Hadrian's tomb, then home to the popes, now a museum. The bridge dates from 134 AD when Hadrian built it to lead to his mausoleum, calling it Pons Aelius or Bridge of Hadrian. But when word got out that the Archangel Michael landed on top of the mausoleum to end the plague in Rome in 590, the bridge and castle both changed their name to Sant'Angelo.
The most striking feature of the now pedestrian-only bridge are the ten statues of angels which line it. These were commissioned by Pope Clement IX in 1669 from the famous artist Bernini. Unfortunately Bernini only finished two himself and these were taken into the pope's own collection. Those on the bridge were actually made by other sculptors to Bernini's scheme.
Practical Info
Pont Sant'Angelo is easy to reach by foot or taxi from the centre of Rome. It leads across the Tiber River to the Castel Sant'Angelo and from there it is an easy walk to St Peter's Basilica. In fact, the bridge has throughout history been used by pilgrims as an approach to St Peter's and even bore that name for a while.
Tours & Tickets
Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo Walking Tour in Rome
Discover two of Rome’s lesser-known treasures, Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo, on this 3-hour tour. With an expert guide, enter the castle and learn ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Castel Sant'Angelo Family Friendly Tour from Civitavecchia
One of our best selling tours is now available to all cruise-lover-families who are coming to Rome from the port of Civitavecchia. Our professional staff will ... Read more
Location: Civitavecchia, Italy
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Baroque Churches of Rome Walking Tour
The Baroque Churches tour takes you to some of the most beautiful Churches in Rome that are so often left off your average tour itinerary. Learn the language ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Small-Group Castel Sant Angelo and St Peter Square Tour from Rome
Explore 2 historic sites of Rome on a 3-hour walking tour of the Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s Square. Learn the history of an ancient fortress, ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Independent Rome Day Trip from Florence by High-Speed Train
See Rome on this full-day tour from Florence, which includes a pass for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This is an easy way to see the Eternal City, taking away ... Read more
Location: Florence, Italy
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
Private Rome by Night Vespa Tour
Visit Rome's most iconic squares and fountains on a beautiful Vespa, just as Romans do. On this Rome by night Vespa tour you will be accompanied by an expert ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Rome Tiber River Night Cruise with Dinner
Experience the romance of Rome by night on this 2.5-hour dinner cruise on the Tiber River. Witness unparalleled views of some of the city’s most famous ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Rome Photography Walking Tour: Learn How to Take Professional Photos
English-speaking photographers have in-depth local knowledge, a passion for their city and for the art of photography. The photographers are carefully selected ... Read more
Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
