Updated 2024
I don’t think it’ a stretch to say Rome and Bernini are synonymous. Specifically, Bernini is known for Baroque Rome.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born in Naples in 1598. His father was a sculptor, working on big time commissions in Rome. Like any good father, Pietro Bernini took the younger Bernini to work with him. You could say Bernini came by his talent naturally.
In a biography of Bernini, it is said that he carved a bust of stone when he was only eight years old that was “the marvel of everyone.” But, the renowned Getty Center in Los Angeles says he was ten years old when he created his first sculpture. Clearly he was a child prodigy. Bernini died in Rome in 1680 at the age of 81, after becoming one of the most influential artists of all time and transforming the look of seventeenth-century Rome.
>
Where Can You See Bernini’s Work?
Bernini is all over Rome. Many of his most beautiful works are in museums and cathedrals in the eternal city. But you don’t need to visit a museum, nor a church, because his work can be seen in piazzas and fountains everywhere in the historic center of Rome.
The guy was prolific and very successful— commissioned by Popes and the nobility of the day. Pope Urban VIII said he was “Born for the glorification of Rome.”
Bernini is often credited with Rome becoming known as a “city of fountains.” The most known of these fountains is the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, a top tourist spot in Rome.
Bernini and Ponte Sant’Angelo
Over 1900 years ago, Emperor Hadrian had a bridge constructed to connect the center of Rome with his tomb also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum. The ancient bridge was called the Pons Aelius meaning bridge of Hadrian.
The ponte sant angelo has had many names over the centuries. In the middle ages it was called St. Peter’s Bridge. In the 6th century the bridge and the Castel were given the name Sant’ Angelo after Pope Gregory I has a vision of an archangel appearing atop the Castel signaling the end of the plague. and Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Later, the stone bridge was part of the walking route used by pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Cathedral in the city of Rome. Today it is strictly a pedestrian bridge and considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome.
In 1667, Pope Clement IX, commissioned Bernini to restore the bridge. Bernini’s vision was to sculpt ten larger-than-life angels o adorn the bridge, each carrying a symbols of The Passion, thereby creating a procession leading to Piazza San Pietro, another Bernini masterpiece.
Bernini Angel in Sant Andrea della Fratte holding the superscription.
Though there are ten angels, Bernini only sculpted two angels. His apprentices sculpted the other eight angels.
Pope Clements thought the Bernini angels were so beautiful (they are) that he didn’t want them exposed to the elements. Bernini’s two angels: the first angel holding the crown of thorns, the second angel holding the superscription , now live in the church Sant Andrea della Fratte, not far from the Spanish Steps. For some reason, tourists don’t go to this church— you can worship at the altar of Bernini in peace. Be sure to check that the church is open and be mindful that it is a working church.
If you are a fan of Bernini this bridge is a must. It’s an easy walk from St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican Museums. It’s also nice to approach castel sant’angelo from the bridge. The perspective is beautiful.
The original angel with crown of thorns, sculpted by the fabulous Bernini.
Tip: Try getting up early to get ahead of the crowds. It’s so nice to be able to study the statues of angles at leisure without distraction. It’s also a great time to take photographs as the sun slowly moves west.
One more tip: If you’re in the Trastevere neighborhood visit the church San Francesco a Ripa. One of Bernini’s most talked about works Blessed Ludovica Albertoni is there. Rome always reveals just a little bit more than you expect.
21 comments
What a nice mix of history and visiting tips. I love the back story of the angels. Apprentices did a lot of work back then, didn’t they; they were the art world’s 17th-century equivalent of interns.
Terry, good analogy. Exactly!
How old is this place ?!
Stunning!! I still can’t believe that among my travels I haven’t made it to Rome.
Thank you! Where do you like to go?
Haven’t got to Rome yet. Will I like it more than Florence, Penny? When I do get there, however, I’m definitely crossing this bridge.
Will you like it more than Florence? I can’t say really, can I? Let me know!
Sometimes Rome is like a dream. Nice picture!!
Thanks Val!
Thanks for sharing your tips on visiting the Ponte Sant Angelo. I think getting up early is the secret to visiting any major tourist attraction.
I agree about the getting up early bit and do so often.
What a beautiful place! I love the tip about starting early – I find that this sort of place is always so much more enjoyable when it’s a little bit quieter. I’m dying to go – I haven’t been to Rome yet.
I agree! The crowds can make it really unpleasant if you don’t go in the right frame of mind. I’ve been to Rome often enough now I know what time of day to go most places. But, it’s always crowded.
So beautiful. This brings back great memories of my trails along the bridges of Rome. And as you say, there’s always something more to notice. I’m now appreciating (thanks to your photo) the drape of the “cloth” on the sculptures.
Hey Lillie, nice to hear from a fellow lover of Rome. Bernini had that “cloth” thing down. 🙂
I walked across the Ponte Sant Angelo on the way to the Vatican without knowing what it was. I did notice the angels though, and I only learned about the bridge’s importance when I got back to my host and researched about it haha
Aleah I learn about a lot of things like that – after the fact! It usually makes me want to know more and to visit again.
Really like the framing here, Penny! It’s been ages since I’ve been to Rome…
Thanks! I never get tired of Rome. She’s a great subject!
Love this story! And crazy that he only did 2 of the 10!
Thanks! Yes it is crazy, but how lucky to be able to apprentice with Bernini!