San Angelo Castle

Spent the afternoon at San Angelo Castle built in 139 AD, which housed nobility as well as a number of Popes.  There is a 6 block long wall that runs from the Bascilica to the castle with an enclosed tunnel where the Pope could escape to the safety of the castle if necessary.  There was only once entrance to the inner part of the castle, it would be very difficult to seize control of it.  The castle got its current name in 590 AD from Pope Gregory who was praying for an end to the Plague.  He saw a vision of the archangel Michael floating above the castle and sheathing his sword - a sign that the plague was over.

 Tiber River

 Archangel Michael sheathing his sword to signal the end of the plague.

 Bascilica in the background

 Outer wall and inner castle

The brown stone wall on the right runs from the Vatican to the castle to allow Popes to escape under seige.