Ponte Sant'Angelo

The bridge was inaugurated in 134 AD under Emperor Hadrian and was originally named Pons Aelius, intended to create a direct connection between the Campus Martius and his mausoleum. The popular name Angel Bridge has persisted to this day, as it leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo. In the 17th century, the bridge was extended with two smaller arches at the bridgeheads. A stampede in 1450, which claimed 172 pilgrim lives, led to the removal of all stalls and booths and the assurance of free passage. The bridge also served as an execution site and for deterrence through the public display of criminals' heads.