If you’re crossing the Tiber River toward Castel Sant’Angelo, you’re walking on history.
Emperor Hadrian built this 1,200 year old bridge. It created a direct route from the centro storico of Rome to his mausoleum, which later became the Castel Sant’Angelo.
The bridge features five main arches and is lined with travertine. During the Middle Ages, the bridge became a major route for pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica.
It was originally built in 134 AD and called the Bridge of Hadrian. But its name changed in 1669.
At the ripe old age of 71, Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned by Pope Clement IX to renovate the pilgrimage bridge.
Bernini was the greatest sculptor of the Baroque. That period was characterized by exuberance, excess, movement, intensity, and formal glamor.
Bernini Angels
Bernini was the creative force behind the transformation of the Ponte Sant’Angelo, designing ten towering angels to line the bridge’s balustrades.
Each angel holds a symbol of Christ’s Passion, turning the bridge into a powerful visual story of faith. While his workshop executed most of the sculptures, Bernini personally carved two of them.
One of his originals, the Angel with the Superscription (INRI), holds a tablet inscribed with “INRI,” the Latin abbreviation for Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum (“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”)—the sign placed above Christ’s head on the cross.
The angel’s pose is dynamic, with a graceful twist that makes it seem almost weightless. Flowing drapery adds to the sense of movement. The angel’s expression strikes a perfect balance between serenity and sorrow, capturing the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Angel with the Crown of Thorns holds the crown reverentially. It’s the cruel instrument of Christ’s suffering.
The angel’s expression is profoundly pensive and sorrowful, as if contemplating the pain inflicted on Christ. The angel’s pose is slightly tilted, almost hesitant, adding a human-like emotional depth.
The sculpting of the drapery is particularly striking. It cascades in elaborate folds that enhance the figure’s elegance and movement.
Both sculptures show Bernini’s signature theatricality, making them some of the finest examples of Baroque religious sculpture.
The pope loved the statues so much, he decided they were too beautiful to be outside on the bridge.
They were subsequently moved inside to the Church of Sant’Andrea Delle Fratte (near the Spanish Steps) and copies were placed on the bridge. Barely anyone goes into the church, so you can worship at the altar of Bernini in peace.
Other Angels
The remaining 8 angels, carved by 8 different Bernini pupils, are:
- Angel with the Sudarium (Veronica’s Veil) – sculpted by Cosimo Fancelli
- Angel with the Whips (Scourge) – sculpted by Lazzaro Morelli
- Angel with the Column (of the Flagellation) – sculpted by Antonio Raggi
- Angel with the Garment and Dice – sculpted by Paolo Naldini
- Angel with the Cross – sculpted by Ercole Ferrata
- Angel with the Nails – sculpted by Girolamo Lucenti
- Angel with the Sponge (soaked in vinegar) – sculpted by Antonio Giorgetti
- Angel with the Lance (Longinus’ Spear) – sculpted by Domenico Guidi
The angels tell the story of Christ’s passion chronologically, beginning on the right hand side of the southern end o the bridge and zigzagging toward Castel Sant’Angelo.
Though the angels steal the show today, the bridge itself is an ancient masterpiece. The three central arches are original Roman construction (2,000 years old), a testament to the engineering brilliance of the ancient world. After all, the Romans knew how to build things to last!
There is even a piece of the bridge in the United States at the Kimball Museum of Art in Fort Worth Texas.
It’s a bozzetto, a small clay model that Bernini created in the course of developing the angels. It’s one of the Angel of the Superscription. You can even see Bernini’s fingerprints on the clay.
In true Baroque fashion, Bernini’s angels guide you across the bridge, serving as beacons for pilgrims making their way to the Vatican.
At night, the Ponte Sant’Angelo is at its most stunning. Each angel is individually illuminated, casting dramatic shadows that bring their details to life. Plus, you’ll likely have fewer crowds to contend with.
The view from the bridge is spectacular, perfectly framing St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
Practical, beautiful, and free, the Bridge of Angels is one of the best things to do in Rome.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Bridge of Angels. You may find these other Rome travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Rome itineraries
- 2 days in Rome itinerary
- 3 day itinerary for Rome
- 4 day itinerary for Rome
- 5 day itinerary for Rome
- Hidden gems in Rome
- Best museums in Rome
- Guide to Palatine Hill
- Guide to the Roman Forum
- Guide to the Colosseum
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