The statue of Archangel Michael that dominates the top of Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is the latest in a series of sculptures erected in memory of a legendary event dating back to 590 AD. That year, during a devastating plague epidemic, Pope Gregory the Great led a penitential procession through the streets of Rome, carrying the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani. Upon reaching what was then the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the pope and the faithful witnessed a celestial vision: Archangel Michael appeared atop the mausoleum, sheathing his sword—a gesture interpreted as a sign that the plague was coming to an end. Following this vision, the epidemic ceased, and the mausoleum was renamed Castel Sant’Angelo in honor of the Archangel.
Over the centuries, several statues of Archangel Michael have adorned the castle’s summit. The first, made of wood, deteriorated over time. Later, a marble statue was destroyed during a siege in 1379. In 1453, another marble sculpture with bronze wings was installed, but it was struck by lightning in 1497. A gilded bronze angel replaced it, but it was melted down in 1527 to make cannons. Finally, in the 16th century, Raffaello da Montelupo created a marble statue with bronze wings, which is now displayed in the Cortile dell’Angelo inside the castle.
The current bronze statue, created by the Flemish sculptor Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, was inaugurated in June 1752. The sculpture depicts Archangel Michael in the act of sheathing his sword, symbolizing the end of the plague and divine protection over the city of Rome. With its outstretched wings and resolute gaze, the angel represents a powerful symbol of hope and redemption for the people of Rome.
Today, the statue of Archangel Michael is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome, visible from afar as it majestically towers over Castel Sant’Angelo. Its presence serves as a reminder of the city’s long history and its resilience in the face of adversity.