This site was once called Hadrian's Tomb, after the Emporer who made his tomb here. This is the famous Hadrian who made the wall in England....
So much history in the once structure, but most tourists miss it because the tour bus doesn't stop here. Too bad.
Popes were known to take the tunnel trip from the Vatican to Castel Sant' Angelo when the barbarians were banging on the gates of Rome. They also escaped here when things got a little warm from the citizens threatening a riot over the Pope's behavior.
I didn't see any mention of the men who were locked up here while they were being investigated by the Pope for their Christian beliefs, but if you look into the history of this place you will find plenty of instances.
When you reach the top by circular stairs and more, you will look up and see a giant statue of an angel. This was dedicated to the end of the plague, when the citizens, rallied with the Pope marched through the streets. They looked up and saw the angel putting his sword away. The next day, no one was recorded dying. Then the statue was built and placed at the top of Castel San Angelo in memory of this moment.
The view of Rome is excellent all the way around this monument. Take 2 hours and see it. Look for cannon ball hits along the wall outside, there are lots of them that "dented" the structure.
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Address: On the Tiber
Directions: Between the Vatican and Piazza Navona. If you are near the Tiber you will see it.
Highly recommended.
Entrance Fee is Nominal in comparison with other things in Rome.