The statue of the Archangel Michael stands at the summit of Castel Sant’Angelo, positioned on the Terrazza dell’Angelo. Once a military stronghold, this upper terrace was originally designed as a defensive platform, complete with bastions offering a commanding 360-degree view over Rome. From here, soldiers could monitor the Tiber River, the Vatican, and the city's ancient streets, making it a critical lookout point in the fortress’s military past.
Today, the terrace marks the final and most dramatic stop on the Castel Sant’Angelo museum tour. Visitors who ascend through the fortress’s spiraling corridors are rewarded with sweeping views of Rome’s skyline, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome of the Pantheon, and the curve of the Tiber River below.
Directions to Castel Sant'Angelo
The origins of the Archangel Michael statue at Castel Sant’Angelo trace back to a moment of desperation in 590 AD. Rome was in the grip of a devastating plague, and fear gripped the hearts of its citizens. Seeking divine intervention, Pope Gregory I organized a solemn religious procession through the city, calling upon the faithful to pray for deliverance.
According to legend, as the procession approached the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian—what we now know as Castel Sant’Angelo—the Pope looked skyward and saw a miraculous vision. Archangel Michael appeared above the fortress, solemnly sheathing his sword. This powerful image was interpreted as a sign from heaven: the plague was coming to an end.
The vision of Archangel Michael left a lasting mark on Rome's collective memory. Castel Sant’Angelo became forever linked to the Archangel’s protective presence, and over the centuries, several statues were erected atop the fortress to honor this divine moment. These early versions, made from different materials—including wood and marble—were gradually lost to time, weather, and war. Yet the symbolism endured, inspiring generations and reinforcing Castel Sant’Angelo's role as both a military stronghold and a spiritual beacon of hope.
In 1746, centuries after the legend took root, Pope Benedict XIV commissioned a new statue of Archangel Michael to crown the fortress in anticipation of the Jubilee of 1750. Flemish sculptor Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, trained in Paris under Edmé Bouchardon and known as the Pope’s portraitist, won the honor. Completed and installed in 1753, his bronze masterpiece depicts the Archangel in a moment of solemn grace, sheathing his sword—a lasting symbol of peace, protection, and celestial authority.
Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, a Flemish sculptor known for his refined Baroque sensibilities and mastery of bronze casting created the statue of the Holy Angel. Born in Ghent in 1710, Verschaffelt trained in Paris and later moved to Rome, where his talent quickly gained recognition among the city’s artistic and ecclesiastical circles. Though he secured the commission for the statue after winning a papal competition initiated by Pope Benedict XIV, it was his artistic vision and technical skill that truly elevated the work.
Rather than simply create a decorative figure, Verschaffelt set out to embody the divine intervention and solemnity of the original 590 AD vision. He chose to depict Michael in the act of sheathing his sword, a gesture that captures the exact moment the plague was believed to have ended—a visual metaphor for peace and divine mercy. This was a bold departure from the more common depictions of the archangel in battle, and it gave the statue a serene, almost contemplative power.
From the terrace of the castle
For the best view of the Archangel Michael statue atop Castel Sant’Angelo, head to the uppermost level—the Terrazza dell’Angelo. Up close, you can truly appreciate the statue’s depth and intricate design, as the archangel is captured in the powerful act of sheathing his sword—a symbol of the plague’s end in 590 AD. The terrace also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, including the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Archangel Michael, a central figure in Christian tradition, is venerated as the protector of the faithful and commander of the heavenly hosts. The statue atop Castel Sant’Angelo commemorates a legendary vision from 590 AD, when he is said to have appeared above the fortress, sheathing his sword to mark the end of a devastating plague that had ravaged Rome.
The statue stands on the terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo, overlooking the city from the summit of the cylindrical fortress. It’s visible from various points around Rome, especially from the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge.
All tours of Castel Sant'Angelo include access to the Terrazza dell’Angelo where the statue is located. Visitors can climb to the terrace for an up-close view of the statue and panoramic views of Rome.
The current bronze statue was sculpted by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in 1753. It replaced an earlier marble version installed in the 16th century.
Yes, the statue shows Archangel Michael in the act of sheathing his sword — a symbolic gesture marking the end of divine punishment (the plague), offering hope and protection to the city.
Early morning and sunset offer the best lighting conditions. The statue is also beautifully illuminated at night. For close-up photos, climb to the terrace; for distant or framed views, the Ponte Sant’Angelo is ideal.
Yes, you can see it from outside, especially from the bridge or the riverside paths (Lungotevere), though details are best appreciated from the terrace inside the monument.
Inside the museum sections of Castel Sant’Angelo, visitors can find artworks, models, and the original marble statue of Archangel Michael by Raffaello da Montelupo, which once stood atop the fortress. Find more here.
Pope Gregory I named the mausoleum as "Castle of the Holy Angel" after witnessing a vision of Archangel Michael atop the fortress in 590 AD, an event that transformed it into a religious symbol and later a papal stronghold. Learn more about the fortress's history.
Yes, all tours of Castel Sant'Angelo include access to the statue of Archangel Michael at its terrace, where visitors can view the sculpture up close and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Rome from the fortress’s highest point.
