Before talking about the Girandola it is important to understand that S. Angelo Castle is the heart of Rome. Visitors may be more familiar with St. Peter or the Coliseum as Rome's icon, but for a Roman they represent Catholic Church and the long time dead Roman Empire. S. Angelo Castle is still alive. It was born as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, then it was transformed in a castle when the power of Rome started to fade a couple of centuries later. It was such a stronghold that to own the castle always meant to rule Rome. Indeed, S. Angelo Castle has been the symbol of power in Rome. During Renaissance it became the favourite (and safer) residence of the Pope with continuous addition of layers and embellishments. Bottom line: you can read Rome's history examining the many layers of S. Angelo Castle. Today it is still very alive: it hosts many exhibits inside, but Romans keep jogging and playing soccer along its moat too.
The Girandola was introduced for the first time in 1481 to celebrate Pope Sisto IV. Fireworks were designed by Michelangelo and then refined later by Bernini, who took inspiration from the Stromboli volcano. The show was held to celebrate the Easter, but above all to honor new Popes and Royal visitors in Rome. Big machines were placed over the castle to create fireworks able to impress visitors from all over Europe. Dickens wrote about them and there are many paintings too. The best architects were hired to design them: Michelangelo, Bernini, Vanvitelli, Fuga to name some.
But enough talk!
Enjoy some pictures in this on-line gallery. Their quality may not be perfect, but for sure it is way better than the pics I posted in real-time on Twitter using the lousy camera of my iPhone.
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