The Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome is a historic building that has more than two thousand years of history and has served various purposes during that time. The legend of the Castel Sant'Angelo and its miraculous rescue is linked to papal authority and is considered one of the most fascinating stories about the building.
Legend has it that in A.D. 590 an epidemic of plague broke out in Rome , claiming many lives. Pope Gregory I, who wished to put an end to this catastrophe, was praying on the Bridge of Elias. Suddenly he saw the Archangel Michael descending from heaven and beginning to wipe his sword and put it into its scabbard while standing on the roof of the castle. This sign meant that the epidemic would soon be over.
In honor of this event, Pope Gregory I gave the castle the name Castel Sant'Angelo (Castellum Sancti Angeli) and it was used by the popes as a fortress and refuge for many centuries. Inside the castle is a museum that contains a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and other artwork. The Castel Sant'Angelo was often used as a place for papal ceremonies and celebrations.
Today the Castel Sant'Angelo is a popular tourist attraction that attracts people from all over the world. It is one of the most important historical monuments of Rome and a symbol of papal power and culture.
