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Hadrian's Mausoleum facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, now known as Castel Sant'Angelo, is a huge round building in Rome, Italy. It was first built as a special tomb for the Roman emperor Hadrian and his family. Later, it became a strong fortress and castle for the popes. Today, it is a popular museum. This amazing structure was once the tallest building in Rome!

What is Castel Sant'Angelo?

Castel Sant'Angelo ( Mausoleo di Andriano)
Castel Sant'Angelo, a famous Roman landmark.

Castel Sant'Angelo is a very old and important building in Rome. It stands tall next to the Tiber River. Its history goes back almost 2,000 years. It has changed its purpose many times over the centuries.

From a Tomb to a Fortress

Emperor Hadrian ordered this building to be made as a mausoleum. A mausoleum is a grand and impressive tomb. It was finished in 139 AD, after Hadrian had passed away. His ashes and those of his family were placed inside.

Over time, Rome faced many attacks. The building was so strong that it was turned into a military fortress. It became a key part of Rome's defenses. Later, the popes used it as a castle. They even built a secret passage to it from St. Peter's Basilica. This passage allowed them to escape safely during danger.

The Angel on Top

The name "Castel Sant'Angelo" means "Castle of the Holy Angel." This name comes from a legend. In the 6th century, a terrible plague hit Rome. Pope Gregory I saw Archangel Michael on top of the castle. The angel was putting away his sword. This was seen as a sign that the plague would end.

To remember this event, a statue of Archangel Michael was placed on the very top. The current bronze statue was made in 1753. It shows Michael with his sword put away.

A Museum Today

Today, Castel Sant'Angelo is no longer a tomb or a fortress. It is a national museum. Visitors can explore its many rooms and passages. You can see ancient Roman parts and later additions. There are also great views of Rome from the top. It is a fascinating place to learn about Roman history.

Images for kids

  • Engelsburg und Engelsbrücke abends

    Castel Sant'Angelo from the bridge. The top statue is of Michael the Archangel, the angel from whom the building derives its name.

  • Angels Sant'Angelo Bridge 1

    Ponte Sant'Angelos Angel figures

  • View from Castel Sant'Angelo 10 (15442805966)

    View from the top of the Castel Sant'Angelo towards the ancient city core of Rome.

  • EngelsburgBrückeTiber

    View from south towards the Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo

  • Angel by Raffaello da Montelupo pic1

    The original angel by Raffaello da Montelupo.

  • EngelsburgErzengelMichael2

    Bronze statue of Michael the Archangel, standing on top of the Castel Sant'Angelo, modelled in 1753 by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt (1710–1793).

  • Angel atop Castel Sant'Angelo

    Another angle of the angel

  • Mastro Titta

    Giovanni Battista Bugatti, papal executioner between 1796 and 1861 offering snuff to a condemned prisoner in front of Castel Sant'Angelo

  • Rome, a view of the river Tiber looking south with the Castel Sant'Angelo and Saint Peter's Basilica beyond by Rudolf Wiegmann 1834

    View of the river Tiber looking south with the Castel Sant'Angelo and Saint Peter's Basilica beyond, Rudolf Wiegmann 1834

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Castillo de Sant%27Angelo para niños

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