surround the historical centre
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The defensive system of ancient Rome is still visible and preserved today. The walls extend for about 19km.
Emperor Aurelian, aware of the decline of the empire, believed that Rome was not safe and felt the need of defending the city of Rome. Works started in 270AD and finished in 275AD.
The Aurelian walls encircles the historical center of Rome: the 7 hills and the flat area known as Campo Marzio.
Many pre-existing buildings were incorporated into the city walls to accomplish the task quickly.
In the last millennia, they have been countlessly restored, since they were needed for the city defense up to 1870. Then the Italians broke the walls near Porta Pia and conquered the Papal state. Since then Rome become the capital of the Italian state.
Emperor Aurelian, aware of the decline of the empire, believed that Rome was not safe and felt the need of defending the city of Rome. Works started in 270AD and finished in 275AD.
The Aurelian walls encircles the historical center of Rome: the 7 hills and the flat area known as Campo Marzio.
Many pre-existing buildings were incorporated into the city walls to accomplish the task quickly.
In the last millennia, they have been countlessly restored, since they were needed for the city defense up to 1870. Then the Italians broke the walls near Porta Pia and conquered the Papal state. Since then Rome become the capital of the Italian state.
