About Ponte Sant Angelo
Ponte Sant Angelo is a Roman bridge built with five stone arches and seven-meter high piers supporting the entire bridge with five main spans of 18 meters each. The bridge's original name was Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius; tourists visit Ponte Sant Angelo to witness the beautiful view of Castel’s Sant’Angelo. Pope Clement VII built Saints Peter and Paul’s statues at the end of bridges in the 16th century, which are noteworthy and valuable in today’s world.
According to Ponte Sant Angelo History, in 1688, Gian Lorenzo Bernini built ten more angel statues to decorate the parapets. Each angel carries the sign of Jesus' death and his sufferings; statues were made five on either side of the bridge. Ten angels' names are Angel carrying the Superscription, Angel carrying the Cross, Angel carrying the Nails, Angel carrying the Column, Angel carrying the Sudarium, Angel carrying the Garment and Dice, Angel carrying the Scourge, Angel carrying the crown of Thorns, Angel carrying the Sponge, and Angel carrying the Lance. Tourists often visit Ponte Sant Angelo to mesmerize the history, culture, teachings, and footprints of Jesus.
Ponte Sant’Angelo History
The bridge of St. Angelo was built 1900 years ago under the supervision of emperor Hadrian who passed the design by Demetrius. At that time the bridge was used across the river to transport materials from central Rome to the construction sites. And Ponte Sant Angelo's History reveals that the bridge became an essential route from the center of Rome to the Basilica with the construction of the Basilica of St. Peter in the 4th Century. Moreover, in the 16th century, under Pope Gregory I, the bridge and castle was named Sant Angelo, a saying that an Angel appeared on the roof to announce the end of the plague.
During the 1300th jubilee, two separate lanes were adjusted due to the mass number of pilgrims crossing the bridge. Then in the 1450th jubilee, the crowd of pilgrims drowned in the river as the bridge railing was destroyed. So the route was widened, and some of the houses on the bridge and the Roman triumphal arch were pulled down. Later in 1535, Pope Clement VII asked to build statues of the apostles Saint Peter, by Lorenzetto and Saint Paul by Paolo Romano. Four other patriarchs were also added, representing Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
Ponte Sant Angelo History states that after the 16th century, for years, the bridge was used to expose the dead bodies of those who were killed in the adjoining Piazza del Ponte. Later in 1699, Pope Clement IX ordered the replacement of the aging stucco angels on the bridge. Also, two arches were erected in the place of two Roman ramps to connect the bridge. And the bridge was ready only for the pedestrian to visit Ponte Sant Angelo and witness the beauty of Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Ponte Sant’Angelo Angels
The eighth angel, officially entrusted to Giulio Cartari and is a replica of Bernini's work. The angel's superscription reads INRI, which stands for "Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews." The inscription on this angel reads, "God has reigned from the tree," about the wood of the cross.
This sculpture of Christ carrying the cross represents the cross he was forced to hold through Jerusalem before being crucified. Sculpted by Ercole Ferrata, the inscription on this statue reads, "Dominion rests on his shoulders." Although the sculpture is inferior to the others on the bridge, it appears to be a two-dimensional relief sculpture instead of a three-dimensional artwork.
The angel is created of Veronica's Veil, which was wont to wipe the sweat and blood from his face as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. The inscription reads, "Look upon the face of your Christ." The bottom of this angel has been dented by a cannonball discharged during the papal defense of the Vatican in 1870.
The nails accustomed to staking Christ on the cross feature prominently during this sculpture. "They will think me whom they need to be pierced," reads the inscription on the statue. The angel's body is disproportionately huge, her features are unusual, and her face is slim. Her hand extends to present a nail, while her left hand holds two others.
The statue represents the instant when soldiers cast lots to decide who would receive Christ's seamless robe. "For my clothing, they cast lots," reads the inscription on the statue.
Paolo Naldini sculpted it; the statue represents the instant when Roman soldiers cast dice to determine who would receive Christ's seamless robe. The figure represents when Roman soldiers release dice to decide who would accept Christ's robe. "For my clothing, they cast lots," reads the sculpture's inscription.
The second angel shows the angel holding the whip used by the Romans to torment Jesus while he was bound to the column. The inscription on the sculpture reads, "I'm ready for the scourge," about the whip used by the Romans. Created by Lazzaro Morelli, the description on the statue reads, "I'm ready for the scourge."
The crown, which was placed on Christ's head, appears on this sculpture as a part of the female parent Mary at the feet of the sinner. It had been sculpted by Pablo Naldini and completed by Bernini himself. The inscription reads, “The thorn is fastened upon me.”
According to the gospels, one of the soldiers smeared vinegar on a stick and pressed it to Jesus' lips right before he died. The ninth angel, by Antonio Giorgetti, is shown observing the scene with deep sorrow.
Ponte Sant Angelo FAQs
Visit Ponte Sant Angelo
Ponte Sant’ Angelo is a Roman bridge built by Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian in134 AD. You can read the different phases in Ponte Sant Angelo's History, where a bridge has faced different experiences.
Is Castel Sant'Angelo worth it?
Yes, it’s worth visiting Castel Sant’ Angelo. You can Visit Ponte Sant Angelo and admire the beautiful monuments and sculptures.
When was the Ponte Sant Angelo built?
The Ponte Sant Angelo was built in 134 AD by the Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian to span River Tiber from the city center to his mausoleum.
Who made the Ponte Sant' Angelo?
The Roman Emperor Aelius Hadrian built the Ponte Sant’ Angelo in 134 AD. Learning about Ponte Sant Angelo's History, you can know more about it.
Where is Ponte Sant’Angelo?
Ponte Sant'Angelo is located across the river Tiber in front of Castel Sant'Angelo. One must Visit Ponte Sant Angelo.
How many angels can be found on the Ponte Sant’Angelo
Visiting Ponte Sant Angelo, one can find ten angels on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo, including Angel carrying the Superscription, Angel carrying the Cross, Angel carrying the Nails, Angel carrying the Column, Angel carrying the Sudarium, Angel carrying the Garment and Dice, Angel carrying the Scourge, Angel carrying the crown of Thorns, Angel carrying the Sponge, and Angel carrying the Lance.