Another symbol of the Eternal City is the majestic Castel Sant'Angelo (also known as The Mausoleum of Hadrian), built as a tomb of the Emperor Hadrian and, over the centuries, used as different functions: defence fortress, dungeon, Renaissance residence, and, today, museum and venue for cultural and social events.
Different uses have also led to significant changes in alteration and expansion of the original structure, creating a complex network of basements, cells, rooms, loggia, stairways and courtyards.
In the "Castle's dungeon" there is the parlour and the narrow cells where prisoners were locked up. Benvenuto Cellini was confined in one of these and remained there for almost a year. The Hall of Justice can be described as suggestive and disturbing at the same time; it was where all the condemned people were sentenced to death. It was right here that Pope Clement VIII decided on the death penalty for Beatrice Cenci and the execution of Giordano Bruno.
During the phase in which it was used as a mansion, the Castle was subject to such decoration and design activities to make it suitable to host highly distinguished personalities. The Pauline Hall is an outstanding example with frescoes by Perin del Vaga. Other rooms, such as the Hall of Cupid and Psyche and the one of Perseus, the Hall of the Garlands, the Treasure Hall, the Columns and the Rotunda Halls are also wonderful examples.
The Terrace, where is the statue of the angel standing next to the bell that was used in the past to announce the death sentences, is the place where the suicide of Tosca is set, from the homonymous character narrated in the opera by Puccini, who threw herself down after the treacherous murder of her lover Cavaradossi.
In summer time, the Castle livens up with shows and exhibitions; restaurants and bars welcome and offer visitors an entertaining evening within an extraordinary setting.
The wonderful panorama of Rome visible from the Terrace and the famous Passetto is even more spectacular when the city lights illuminate the night and the waters of the Tiber river.