![Angel bearing the superscription, copy of Bernini by Giulio Cartari, with the inscription “regnavit a ligno deus” ("God has ruled us from the wood [of the cross]", from Venantius Fortunatus' Vexilla regis, a misquotation of Psalm 96:10), on the western side of the Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome.](/storage/landmarks/wzYRVO9guhXlomHA8Ht2w9ur6GmouBzzjoKs1OoQ.webp "Angel bearing the superscription, copy of Bernini by Giulio Cartari, with the inscription “regnavit a ligno deus” (\"God has ruled us from the wood [of the cross]\", from Venantius Fortunatus' Vexilla regis, a misquotation of Psalm 96:10), on the western side of the Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome. | Rome, Italy")
Ponte Sant'Angelo
Ponte Sant’Angelo is a striking footbridge that spans the Tiber River in Rome. It connects the grand Castel Sant’Angelo to the heart of the city on the opposite bank. Built in 134 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the bridge originally provided a direct path to his impressive mausoleum, which today is known as Castel Sant’Angelo.
A Path for Pilgrims
Over the centuries, Ponte Sant’Angelo served as an important route for religious pilgrims traveling to St Peter’s Basilica. Because of this, it was once called the “bridge of Saint Peter.” Crowds would cross here, making their way toward one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
A Name Inspired by Legends
In the seventh century, both the bridge and the castle adopted the name Sant’Angelo. According to legend, an angel appeared atop the castle’s roof to announce the end of a devastating plague in Rome. This miraculous event gave the site its current name, which means “Holy Angel.”
Angels on the Bridge
Today, visitors are greeted by the sight of ten beautiful angel statues lining the bridge. These sculptures serve as a reminder of the bridge’s legendary history and its spiritual significance throughout the ages.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Sant%27Angelo