In 590 AD, Rome was devastated by the plague, which killed millions and decimated a third of Europe's population.
Pope saint Gregory the Great then led a penitential procession from Santa Maria Maggiore to St. Peter's Basilica with the image of the Madonna—Maria Salus Populi Romani.
While he was on the Pons Aelius, the Archangel Michael appeared to him on top of the Mausoleum, sheathing his sword.
It was the divine signal of the end of the plague, and from that moment on, the Mausoleum was known as Castel Sant'Angelo.
Our book will guide you through this monument on a fascinating journey through its history of blood and war, but also of art and beauty.