Statue de l'archange saint Michel, Bronze sculpture at Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy
The statue of Archangel Saint Michael stands atop Castel Sant'Angelo and shows the religious figure in a dynamic pose with his sword. The bronze work towers above the Tiber river and is visible from various locations throughout the city.
A sculptor created this bronze version in 1753 to replace a damaged marble figure that was nearly 200 years old. The installation marked the continuation of a religious tradition tied to the fortress's origins.
The statue shows Saint Michael as a central religious figure in Rome, and its presence on the fortress shapes the character of the place today. Visitors can see the angel's gesture of sheathing his sword, which serves as a visual symbol of protection over the city.
The best view of the statue is from Sant'Angelo Bridge or from viewpoints near the Vatican. Visitors should note that the statue sits at a height, so a clear sightline from below is needed.
The statue is often overlooked because many visitors focus on the interior rooms of the fortress. Spending time observing the details of the angel's hand positions and facial expression reveals surprising artistic care.
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