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Castel St. Angelo

Mausoleum of Hadrian: Legacy of an Imperial Tomb

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Mausoleum of Hadrian

What is Mausoleum of Hadrian?

The structure now known as Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, intended as a grand tomb for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. This massive cylindrical monument, constructed between AD 135 and 139, was designed to reflect the emperor’s power and legacy. Its original function as a mausoleum is what gave it its initial identity, but over the centuries, the building's purpose transformed dramatically.

From an imperial tomb, it evolved into a military fortress, a refuge for popes, and even a prison. Today, as Castel Sant’Angelo, it stands not only as a museum but also as a powerful symbol of Rome’s layered history—its name and architecture still echoing its ancient beginnings.

Features of the mausoleum in its original form

Cylindrical design

The mausoleum featured a massive circular drum, built on a square base, which was characteristic of Roman imperial tombs. This monumental form symbolized eternity and power, making it a fitting final resting place for an emperor.

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Tree-lined ramp and decorative gardens

Originally, a grand, tree-lined ramp led up to the mausoleum, surrounded by landscaped gardens and adorned with statues, creating a majestic approach that emphasized the emperor’s divine status.

Bronze quadriga and urn chamber

At the top of the structure stood a bronze quadriga (a four-horse chariot) with a statue of Hadrian, and within the mausoleum, an inner chamber housed the funerary urns of Hadrian and his successors, including emperors like Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius.

Who was Hadrian?

Emperor Hadrian of Rome

Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, who reigned from AD 117 to 138, presided over one of the most transformative periods in the history of the Roman Empire. A visionary leader and cultured intellectual, Hadrian was the adopted successor of Emperor Trajan and is remembered as one of Rome’s “Five Good Emperors.”

His true legacy lies in his architectural ambition and innovation. Monumental structures such as the Pantheon (in its rebuilt form), the sprawling Villa Adriana at Tivoli, and the Temple of Venus and Roma reflect his refined taste and lasting impact on Rome’s urban and cultural landscape. Hadrian’s reign marked a shift from expansion to consolidation, but his enduring contributions gave Rome much of the elegance and grandeur it still holds today.

Who is buried at the mausoleum?

The original funerary urns of emperor Hadrian, his wife, and other Roman emperors are lost. Over the centuries, especially during the Visigothic sack of Rome in AD 410 and later as the structure was converted into a military fortress, the tomb was looted and desecrated. Most of the ashes and urns were either destroyed or scattered, and none are known to have survived in their original place.

Today, no one is buried at Castel Sant’Angelo, but visitors can still explore the Hall of Urns, a solemn and evocative space that once housed the imperial ashes. Though the urns themselves are gone, the hall serves as a powerful reminder of the building’s original role as a mausoleum and offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman funerary traditions

Hadrian’s mausoleum over the years

The Mausoleum of Hadrian went through several reformations over the years. It was coined the name ‘Castel Sant’Angelo’ after several changes and renovations by the succeeding emperors.

From Hadrian’s mausoleum to Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Built between AD 135-139, Hadrian’s Mausoleum was the burial place of the Antonine Emperors. It was converted into a fortress in the 5th century. 
  • A devastating plague hit Rome in the 590s. Gregory the great saw the vision of Archangel Michael standing at the summit of the mausoleum and swinging his sword to protect his people. A sculpture depicting the same was erected, and the mausoleum was renamed Castel Sant’Angelo.
  • The Renaissance paved the way to a complete reformation of the Mausoleum of Hadrian. A castle was constructed over the ancient remains of the Mausoleum. Castel Sant’Angelo acted as the residence, courtroom, prison, and fortress for several generations.
Learn more about the mausoleum's history

Ancient remains and current structure

  • The main structure of the tomb that is visible today is a square base and an evolving and protruding cylindrical drum. The uppermost region of the Tomb is reconstructed into a palace. 
  • About 292 feet wide, the castle has five floors of exhibits, connected by the spiral ramp. Inside the papal residences, you can view beautifully designed frescoes by Renaissance artists.
  • The terrace above gives a panoramic view of Rome. The original statues on the pedestrian bridge across the Tiber could not be preserved and were lost among other significant ruins. Bernini designed the ten angel statues that stand on Ponte Sant'Angelo in 1688. 

Plan your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo

Visitors exploring interior of Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy.

Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 AM  to 7.30 PM

Closed on: Monday, January 1, May 1, and December 25

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Getting to Castel Sant'Angelo

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

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The castle is a 10-minute walk from Piazza Navona and a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Pietro.

Getting to Castel Sant'Angelo

All your questions about Hadrian’s Mausoleum answered

The ashes of emperor of Hadrian, his wife Sabina and his first adopted son, Lucius Aelius, as well as several successors until Caracalla were buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian until they were plundered and destroyed.

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