International Musuem: Castel Sant’Angelo
Posted by FirearmsTruth on February 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment
The Castel Sant'Angelo dominates the Rome skyline
Made famous by movies and video games, the Castel Sant’Angelo is an impressive fortress within the Eternal City of Rome. Originally built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as his Mausoleum the structure has served as a fortress and castle for the Popes – offering the raised Passetto di Borgo from Vatican City as an escape route. The Castel Sant’Angelo offers stunning views of Rome, and houses a small but very impressive collection of small arms and other artifacts from the Middle Ages to the unification of Italy in the 19th century. (Click images for a closer view)
Canons from the later era of the Castel Sant'Angelo
An earlier form of defense for the castle
Stones to be thrown down on an attacker
A variety of 19th century long guns
Some items not ready for display
A Papal guard helmet, based on the Russian/Prussian Pickelhaube (spiked helmet)
A uniform from the early days of Italian unification
Late Middles Age armor
A Medieval suit of armor
an Italian Bersaglieri hat from capture of Rome in 1870
An early helmet from the unified Kingdom of Italy
