Must-see places in Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo and the other Angels

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«Today we want to talk about the must-see places in Rome, so we’ve decided to take you on a little trip to discover the most beautiful angelic sculptures in Rome, from the Bernini ones of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, to the famous Archangel Michael of Castel Sant’Angelo»

As soon as you hear the words angel and Rome united in one sentence, the thought goes immediately to the extraordinary Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the monuments symbols of the caput mundi. Of course, here is one of the most famous angels in the capital, but in reality Rome is full of cherubs, in any corner. Here the must-see places in Rome… discover them with us.

Those of the angels are really fascinating figures for everyone, regardless of their beliefs; and Rome, or its grandeur, or its eternity, seems really to be guarded celestial entities that, jokes aside, have protected it for 2771 years .  Struck by these thoughts, I wanted to go to the discovery of the most beautiful angels in Rome, passing through extraordinary churches, Trevi Fountain, until finally, of course, to Castel Sant’Angelo (official site). And, in most of these places, the name of Gian Lorenzo Bernini appears. Curious yet? So here is a mini-guide to discover the must-see places in Rome, with all its beautiful cherubs!

The Angels of Bernini in the Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte

The first of our must-see places in Rome is the church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte ( official site ), a few steps from Piazza di Spagna, of the 11^th century, which was rebuilt on a project by Borromini in the mid-1600s. The interior, rich in decorations and frescos, preserves a real treasure: the two monumental white statues of the Angels with the symbols of the Passion, one with the crown of thorns, the other with the cartouche, works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Since entering these beautiful sculptures, placed on the sides of the altar, capture the attention of anyone entering thr church, leaving him breathless.

Initially sculpted for the series of angels for the bridge of Castel Sant’Angelo, Pope Clement IX considered them too beautiful to be displayed in that place; it is said that in reality he wanted to keep them for himself, but because he died shortly thereafter, they returned to their author’s hand. Years later, Bernini’s heirs donated the two angels to the church, which had a truly remarkable added value. Unfortunately they are not well known, but they really deserve, especially if you want to touch the genius of one of the greatest Italian artists.

The Transverberation of Santa Teresa D’Avila by Bernini

Yeah, still the Bernini. And yeah, another of the must-see places in Rome. In the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria (official site ), in via XX Settembre, there is the most famous sculptural complex of the Italian master, namely the Transverberation of Santa Teresa D’Avila , better known as the Ecstasy of Santa Teresa . Located in the altar of the left transept, the sculpture fully represents the Baroque style of Bernini: Bernini in fact transformed the chapel into a real theater. He inserted yellow glasses into the space and a light source in the upper part, so as to illuminate the whole sculpture and make it golden, almost as if there was a spotlight pointed. The beautiful angel, smiling and with the features of a boy, pierces with a golden dart the heart of the saint, entranced and satisfied by her faith. The clothes and the expression of the angel best represent the magical art of Bernini, capable of making a piece of marble almost alive.

Marian newsstand in Piazza di Trevi

This Marian aedicule is one of the most famous in the capital and is definitely one of the unmissable must-see places in Rome. Of course, we are far from the Bernini genius, as the author of this “Madonella”, as it happened almost for all the others, was a humble anonymous craftsman. In fact, the newsstands, born in Ancient Rome, are an expression of a traditional popular faith. This Marian shrine often remains unobserved by the presence of the Trevi Fountain, but pass by, and stop to observe it: two angels, on a pedestal, support a garland, under which is the Virgin, little recognizable, surrounded by a radial. It seems that those two cherubs, who have been there for over 500 years, are watching over one of the most beautiful Roman monuments.

The Angels of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

The church of the Jesuit St. Ignatius of Loyola stands in the square of the same name in Campo Marzio. It is an extraordinary example of Baroque art, especially for the famous squares by Andrea Pozzo that give the church extraordinary perspective visions and illusory games, which will capture your attention. The interior, highly decorated, has six chapels on its sides. The Lancellotti chapel, dedicated to the Jesuit Luigi Gonzaga, is one of the most beautiful in Rome: before the altar, on a balustrade, are placed two angels, the work of Ludovisi, which carry lilies in hand, symbol of the purity of St. Louis. On the opposite side, in front of the marble shovel of Filippo Valle representing the Annunciation, there is another balustrade with two other cherubs, by Pietro Bracci. Both pairs of angels are sculptures so beautiful and perfect to be worthy of framing bas-reliefs of this magnitude. Stop to look at them closely, and seize the extraordinary expressiveness and solemnity. Definitely a must-see place in Rome.

The Bridge of Angels in Castel Sant’Angelo

The so-called Bridge of the Angels, or Ponte Sant’Angelo, which precedes the famous castle, is truly one of the most beautiful shows in the capital. The statues of the cherubs of this bridge are visible even at a great distance, and give to that stretch of the Tiber a magical and suggestive aspect. Built in 134 by Emperor Hadrian, in 1669 Pope Clement IX made you build a new parapet designed by Bernini (again!), above which were placed 10 statues of the Angels with the instruments of the Passion, sculpted by the students of the already mentioned master. Among these, there are the Angel with the crown of thorns and the Angel with the Cartiglio, copies respectively of Paolo Naldini and Giulio Cartari of the original Bernini of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte. Treat yourself to a walk in this beautiful bridge, and trust me, you will really feel like crossing a portal to an enchanted world (especially if you do it at sunset!). If this is not one of the greatest must-see places in Rome, then we really know what is.

Castel Sant’Angelo

I already told you about this extraordinary building in the episode of the most beautiful castles in Italy, so any information about it you can read it there! Instead, now, let us reflect on the fact that it, in name and in fact, is the castle of the angel. The mausoleum of Hadrian took this name on August 29, 590: Pope Gregory I, to invoke the divine mercy because of the terrible plague that struck Rome at that time, organized a 3-day procession. During the functions the people continued to die of plague, but, reached the height of the mausoleum, in the sky the silhouette of an angel was silhouetted, San Michele, intent on placing a flaming sword in the scabbard. From there the pestilence ceased, and the castle assumed the name with which we now know by, namely Castel Sant’Angelo.

The statue at its summit in fact represents the Archangel Michael, who watches over the city with a steady and melancholy gaze, while reposing his sword. The bronze sculpture stands out above the castle, with which it contrasts especially for the colors, and seems to be the perfect crowning for the series of cherubim sculptures on the Sant’Angelo bridge. Since the 11^th century, many statues of the Archangel Michael were carved for Castel Sant’Angelo, but unfortunately, for various reasons, they were destroyed or eliminated. The Archangel Michael that we still see today is that ofPeter Anton van Verschaffelt of 1752.

Francesca Celani

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