Ponte Sant Angelo: Gateway to Castel Sant'Angelo
Ponte Sant’Angelo History
- The bridge of St. Angelo was built 1900 years ago under the supervision of emperor Hadrian who passed the design by Demetrius.
- At that time the bridge was used across the river to transport materials from central Rome to the construction sites.
- Ponte Sant Angelo's History reveals that the bridge became an essential route from the center of Rome to the Basilica with the construction of the Basilica of St. Peter in the 4th Century.
- Moreover, in the 16th century, under Pope Gregory I, the bridge and castle was named Sant Angelo, a saying that an Angel appeared on the roof to announce the end of the plague.
- During the 1300th jubilee, two separate lanes were adjusted due to the mass number of pilgrims crossing the bridge.
- Then in the 1450th jubilee, the crowd of pilgrims drowned in the river as the bridge railing was destroyed.
- So the route was widened, and some of the houses on the bridge and the Roman triumphal arch were pulled down.
- Later in 1535, Pope Clement VII asked to build statues of the apostles Saint Peter, by Lorenzetto, and Saint Paul by Paolo Romano. Four other patriarchs were also added, representing Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
- Ponte Sant Angelo's History states that after the 16th century, for years, the bridge was used to expose the dead bodies of those who were killed in the adjoining Piazza del Ponte.
- Later in 1699, Pope Clement IX ordered the replacement of the aging stucco angels on the bridge. Also, two arches were erected in the place of two Roman ramps to connect the bridge.
- The bridge was ready only for the pedestrians to visit Ponte Sant Angelo and witness the beauty of Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Ponte Sant’Angelo Angels
The eighth angel, officially entrusted to Giulio Cartari and is a replica of Bernini's work. The angel's superscription reads INRI, which stands for "Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews." The inscription on this angel reads, "God has reigned from the tree," about the wood of the cross.
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This sculpture of Christ carrying the cross represents the cross he was forced to hold through Jerusalem before being crucified. Sculpted by Ercole Ferrata, the inscription on this statue reads, "Dominion rests on his shoulders." Although the sculpture is inferior to the others on the bridge, it appears to be a two-dimensional relief sculpture instead of a three-dimensional artwork.
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The angel is created of Veronica's Veil, which was wont to wipe the sweat and blood from his face as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. The inscription reads, "Look upon the face of your Christ." The bottom of this angel has been dented by a cannonball discharged during the papal defense of the Vatican in 1870.
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The nails accustomed to staking Christ on the cross feature prominently during this sculpture. "They will think me whom they need to be pierced," reads the inscription on the statue. The angel's body is disproportionately huge, her features are unusual, and her face is slim. Her hand extends to present a nail, while her left hand holds two others.
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The statue represents the instant when soldiers cast lots to decide who would receive Christ's seamless robe. "For my clothing, they cast lots," reads the inscription on the statue.
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Paolo Naldini sculpted it; the statue represents the instant when Roman soldiers cast dice to determine who would receive Christ's seamless robe. The figure represents when Roman soldiers release dice to decide who would accept Christ's robe. "For my clothing, they cast lots," reads the sculpture's inscription.
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The second angel shows the angel holding the whip used by the Romans to torment Jesus while he was bound to the column. The inscription on the sculpture reads, "I'm ready for the scourge," about the whip used by the Romans. Created by Lazzaro Morelli, the description of the statue reads, "I'm ready for the scourge."
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The crown, which was placed on Christ's head, appears on this sculpture as a part of the female parent Mary at the feet of the sinner. It had been sculpted by Pablo Naldini and completed by Bernini himself. The inscription reads, “The thorn is fastened upon me.”
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According to the gospels, one of the soldiers smeared vinegar on a stick and pressed it to Jesus' lips right before he died. The ninth angel, by Antonio Giorgetti, is shown observing the scene with deep sorrow.
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Plan Your Visit to Ponte Sant Angelo
Opening Hours: The Ponte Castel Sant’Angelo has two different opening hours. The Winter Hours from November to February are 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM with the last entry at 6:00 PM. The Summer Hours are March to October opening from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM with the last entry at 7:00 PM.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome is typically in the early morning or late afternoon. During these times, you can avoid the large crowds and capture stunning photos of the bridge and its surroundings in a softer, more flattering light. Additionally, visiting during weekdays outside peak seasons can enhance your experience by allowing for more peaceful exploration.
You can reach Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome simply using several transportation options.
- By Walk: You can opt to walk from nearby attractions such as St. Peter's Basilica or Piazza Navona, enjoying the scenic route.
- By Public Transport: Alternatively, public transport via buses or trams to stops like Piazza Pia or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is convenient, followed by a short walk.
- By Metro: Alternatively, you can take the metro line A (red line) to Lepanto station which is a brief walk to reach the bridge. If you wish to have a private transfer then consider a taxi/cab or a self-drive car.
FAQ's
What is the Ponte Sant'Angelo?
The Ponte Castel Sant Angelo is a historic bridge in Rome, originally built by Emperor Hadrian in AD 134 as the Pons Aelius to connect the city with his mausoleum, now Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge is renowned for its ten angel statues designed by Bernini and its significant historical and architectural value.
Why visit Ponte Sant Angelo?
Ponte Sant’Angelo is a Roman bridge built by Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian in 134 AD. You can read the different phases in Ponte Sant Angelo's History, where a bridge has faced different experiences.
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When was the Ponte Sant Angelo built?
The Ponte Sant Angelo was built in 134 AD by the Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian to span River Tiber from the city center to his mausoleum.
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Who made the Ponte Sant' Angelo?
The Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian built the Ponte Sant’Angelo in 134 AD. Learning about Ponte Sant Angelo's History, you can know more about it.
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Where is Ponte Sant’Angelo?
Ponte Sant'Angelo is located across the river Tiber in front of Castel Sant'Angelo and one of the must Visit is Ponte Sant Angelo.
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How many angels can be found on the Ponte Sant’Angelo?
Visiting Ponte Sant Angelo, one can find ten angels on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo, including Angel carrying the Superscription, Angel carrying the Cross, Angel carrying the Nails, Angel carrying the Column, Angel carrying the Sudarium, Angel carrying the Garment and Dice, Angel carrying the Scourge, Angel carrying the crown of Thorns, Angel carrying the Sponge, and Angel carrying the Lance.
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What functions have the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge served?
Throughout its history, the Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome has served various functions. Initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian in AD 134 as the Pons Aelius, it connected the city centre with his mausoleum, now Castel Sant'Angelo. Over centuries, it has been a crucial route for pilgrims visiting St. Peter's Basilica and a ceremonial passage for popes during religious processions. The bridge also functioned as a defensive structure during conflicts, offering a strategic crossing over the Tiber River.
Do I get access to Ponte Sant’Angelo with the Castel Sant’Angelo tickets?
Yes, Castel Sant'Angelo tickets include access to Ponte Castel Sant Angelo. The bridge, historically connected to the castle, provides a scenic route over the Tiber River and features ten angel statues sculpted by Bernini. You can cross the bridge when visiting Castel Sant'Angelo, enjoying both its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Is Castel Sant'Angelo worth it?
Yes, it’s worth visiting Castel Sant’ Angelo. You can Visit Ponte Sant Angelo and admire the beautiful monuments and sculptures.
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