Introduction to the Ponte Sant'Angelo: The bridge over the Tiber River leading to the mausoleum was originally built from 134 to 139 AD. It was named after Elio, the name of Emperor Hadrian's family; the bridge collapsed in 1450. It was later rebuilt on the basis of the original bridge. The whole bridge has seven holes, with the middle five holes spanning about 18 meters. It was built on 7-meter-high piers. It is one of the most perfect bridges preserved in the ancient Roman era.
In 1535, Pope Clemente VII ordered the construction of sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul at the head of the bridge. The ten angel statues on both sides of the bridge were planned and built by the Renaissance master Bernini and his apprentices. This is where the name of the Ponte Sant'Angelo comes from.