8Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome

Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built during the 2nd century as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. Converted into a military fortress, it owes its name to a legend stating that Archangel Michael came into sight at the top of the castle to stop the plague that was ravaging Rome in AD509. 

Settled on the west bank of the River Tiber, it’s now a museum in which you can retrace the whole history of this fascinating building. Get to the roof to see stunning views of Rome and of the nearby Vatican.

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