Mausoleum of Hadrian

• The Mausoleum of Hadrian, also known as the Castel San Angelo, was built between 130-139 CE.
• It faces the Ponte Sant' Angelo over the Tiber in Rome.

Getting there

• Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, Rome.
• Nearest Metro Station: Ottaviano, Lepanto, Line A. Then Bus 23, 913.

Description

• It is a circular building. Originally it had a roof garden and a golden Quadriga on top.
• In 134 CE Hadrian built the Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius across the Tiber to reach it.
• In 401 CE it was turned into a fortress by Honorius as part of the defenses of Rome.
• 410 CE During the Sack of Rome by Alaric and the Visigoths, the Mausoleum was desecrated and the ashes scattered.

Emperors ashes once held in the Mausoleum

• The Mausoleum of Hadrian held the Emperors’ ashes in golden Urns until they were scattered during the First Sack of Rome in 410 CE:
  • Julius Caesar
  • Hadrian
  • Antoninus Pius
  • Septimius Severus
  • Marcus Aurelius
  • Caracalla
  • Commodus

Photo and Map: Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant’Angelo)