Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius, is a Roman bridge in Rome, Italy. Completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, it spans the Tiber from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum, now the towering Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge is faced with travertine marble and spans the Tiber with five arches, three of which are Roman; it was approached by means of a ramp from the river. Today, Ponte Sant'Angelo is solely pedestrian and provides a scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo....
The Museum Ponte Sant'Angelo (Rome, Italy)
Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the
Aelian Bridge or
Pons Aelius, is a Roman bridge in Rome, Italy. Completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, it spans the Tiber from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum, now the towering Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge is faced with travertine marble and spans the Tiber with five arches, three of which are Roman; it was approached by means of a ramp from the river. Today, Ponte Sant'Angelo is solely pedestrian and provides a scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo.
History
Ponte Sant'Angelo has been an important economical and strategic bridge in Rome since its construction. It was the site of the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, which led to the imperial rule of Constantine. During the Middle Ages, it served as the only controlled passageway for pilgrims on their way to Saint Peter’s Basilica. The current name of Sant’Angelo has been used since the 7th century because of the legend in which Archangel Michael was seen atop the castle Sant’Angelo while a sword was drawn to finish the plague of 590 AD.
Artworks
Ponte Sant'Angelo is adorned with ten beautiful angel sculptures designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which decorate the construction and statues of the saints Peter and Paul that watches over its entrance. These angels were originally commissioned for the Pasquino Group, a collection of sculptures in Rome, but were later moved to Ponte Sant'Angelo.
Cosimo Fancelli's "Angel with the Sudarium" and Antonio Raggi's "Angel with the Column" are two of the most famous sculptures on the bridge. Both artists were pupils of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and their works showcase the Baroque style that was popular in Rome during the 17th century.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "Two Angels" are also located on Ponte Sant'Angelo. These sculptures were originally intended for the Cornaro Chapel, but were later moved to the bridge. They showcase Bernini's mastery of marble carving and his ability to create dynamic and expressive sculptures.
Antonio Giorgetti's "Angel with the Sponge" is another notable sculpture on Ponte Sant'Angelo. This work shows the angel holding a sponge, which was used to cleanse Christ's face during the crucifixion.
Visiting Ponte Sant'Angelo
Visitors can walk along the Via Crucis and admire these beautiful angel sculptures while taking in the scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge is located near the Vatican City, making it a convenient stop for tourists visiting Rome.
Conclusion
Ponte Sant'Angelo is not only an important historical site in Rome, but also a beautiful museum showcasing some of the finest Baroque sculptures in the world. Visitors can walk along the bridge and admire these works of art while taking in the scenic view of Castel Sant'Angelo.
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