Archangel Michael Statue at Castel Sant’Angelo

The bronze statue of Archangel Michael, created in 1753 by Flemish sculptor Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, stands atop Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Symbolizing divine intervention, it remains a powerful icon of the city’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

The statue was commissioned to commemorate a miraculous vision seen by Pope Gregory I during a deadly plague in 590 AD. According to legend, the Pope saw Archangel Michael appear above the fortress, sheathing his sword, a divine sign that the plague had ended. This celestial moment gave the castle its name, “Sant’Angelo,” meaning “Holy Angel.”

To see the statue up close, book your tickets to Castel Sant’Angelo and make your way to the top terrace, where the Archangel Michael Statue awaits, towering above Rome with stunning views stretching in every direction.

Where is the statue located?

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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

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The story behind the statue

Crowd of people wearing surgical mask and walking

A city in crisis

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.

Bronze statue of Michael the Archangel on the top of the Castel Sant'Angelo

A vision in the sky

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.

Detail of the panoramic terrace of Castel Sant' Angelo

From legend to legacy

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.

Archangel Michael Statue sheathing his sword

The bronze guardian

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.

Who created the statue of the Holy Angel?

The image shows a marble bust of Peter Anton von Verschaffelt

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.

What makes the statue a masterpiece?

Archangel Michael statue atop Castel Sant'Angelo against a clear blue sky

The casting process

The statue stands over 5 meters (16 feet) tall, designed to impress and endure.
Built for the exposed terrace, it was made to withstand rain, heat, and wind.
Bronze was carefully cast to preserve its form and detail over time.
Verschaffelt’s craftsmanship ensured both strength and elegance in the final piece.

St Michael on top of Castel Sant`Angelo, Rome, Italy. Angel statue close-up.

Attention to detail

Every detail reflects Verschaffelt’s precision, from robes to wings.
The flowing robes are sculpted to look like they’re rippling in the wind.
The angel’s musculature is finely crafted, blending classical beauty with divine strength.
Michael’s pose, with wings spread and sword sheathed, captures a balance of power and calm.

St Michael Archangel Statue at top of Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Monumental visual impact

Curves and contours reflect light, making the statue striking from afar.
The stance with raised wings and forward tilt emphasizes its grandeur.
Light and shadow enhance its visual appeal from all angles, making it both imposing and captivating.

How to view it best?

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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.

From Ponte Sant’Angelo

For another stunning perspective, stand on Ponte Sant’Angelo, the historic bridge leading directly to the castle. From here, you get a frontal view of the entire structure with the statue prominently visible above, especially photogenic at sunrise or under night-time illumination.

From the streets of Lungotevere

For wider cityscape shots, stroll along the Lungotevere, the riverside promenade, where the castle and statue appear majestically framed against the sky or mirrored in the Tiber River during golden hour. Each viewpoint offers a unique way to appreciate both the artistry and the powerful symbolism of the Archangel Michael overlooking the Eternal City.

Frequently asked questions about Archangel Michael Statue

Can visitors to Castel Sant'Angelo access the statue?

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.

Who created the current statue?

The current bronze statue was sculpted by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in 1753. It replaced an earlier marble version installed in the 16th century.

Is there any significance to the pose of the statue?

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.

What’s the best time to view or photograph the statue?

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.

Is the statue visible without entering Castel Sant’Angelo?

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.

Are there any replicas or models of the statue inside the castle?

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.