The Mausoleum of Hadrian, also known as the Castel Sant’Angelo, is a towering cylindrical building in Rome, Italy, that was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. It was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. It is one of the most iconic monuments in Rome, and is a popular tourist destination.
History
The Mausoleum of Hadrian was built between 135 and 139 AD, during the reign of Hadrian. The structure was designed by the famous Roman architect Apollodorus of Damascus, and is composed of a large cylindrical brick building surrounded by an outer wall. It stands on the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome. It is over 100 meters tall and has a diameter of about 75 meters.
Hadrian planned the mausoleum as his final resting place, and it is believed that his ashes were placed there along with those of his wife and other family members. After Hadrian’s death, the mausoleum was used as a fortress and castle by the popes, who added a series of walls, bastions, and other defensive structures to it. It was also used as a prison and was the site of several executions.
Architecture
The Mausoleum of Hadrian is an impressive and unique structure. The cylindrical building is constructed of brick and concrete, and is decorated with marble and stone. The walls are decorated with reliefs and statues depicting scenes from Hadrian’s life. The top of the mausoleum is crowned by a bronze statue of Hadrian, which is now housed in the Vatican Museums.
The outer walls of the mausoleum were added by the popes in the 14th century, and are composed of several layers of walls and bastions. The walls are decorated with frescoes, and a large staircase leads up to the top of the mausoleum. The entrance to the mausoleum is guarded by two large statues of the ancient Roman gods, Mars and Neptune.
Museum
Today, the Mausoleum of Hadrian is a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the interior of the mausoleum and view the frescoes and statues that decorate its walls. The museum also houses a collection of ancient Roman artifacts and sculptures, as well as a small collection of Renaissance paintings.
Facts
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Built: 135-139 AD
- Architect: Apollodorus of Damascus
- Height: 100 meters
- Diameter: 75 meters
- Status: Museum
Conclusion
The Mausoleum of Hadrian is a remarkable and iconic structure in Rome, Italy. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family, and was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle. Today, it is a museum and is open to the public. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rome.