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Aurelian Walls: Ancient Rome's Defensive Marvel

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Explore the ancient Aurelian Walls, a testament to Roman engineering and a defining landmark of Rome's historic center.

The Aurelian Walls, built in the late 3rd century AD, are a remarkably well-preserved circuit of ancient Roman city walls. Constructed by Emperor Aurelian to protect Rome from barbarian invasions, they stand as a testament to Roman engineering and military strategy. Today, they define the boundaries of central Rome and offer a glimpse into the city's rich history.

A brief summary to Aurelian Walls

  • Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00179, IT
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Aurelian Walls.

  • Visit the Museo delle Mura near the Porta San Sebastiano to learn about the history and construction of the Aurelian Walls.
  • Walk along the perimeter of the walls to appreciate their scale and integration with the city.
  • Note that the Aurelian Walls define the boundaries used by taxi drivers for fare calculations within central Rome.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Appian Way, which begins at the Porta San Sebastiano.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines and metro stops provide access to different sections of the Aurelian Walls. For example, to reach the Porta San Sebastiano and the Museo delle Mura, take bus line 714 and disembark a short walk from the museum. Metro Line C also has several stops near the walls. A single metro/bus ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.

  • Walking

    The Aurelian Walls can be accessed and viewed from various points throughout Rome's city center. From the Colosseum, it is possible to walk to the Porta San Sebastiano in approximately 30-40 minutes. Follow the main roads, taking in the sights along the way. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Rome. A short trip within the city center, such as from Termini Station to a point along the Aurelian Walls, typically costs between €10-€15. Note that taxis within the Aurelian Walls from Fiumicino Airport have a fixed rate of 48 euros.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the vicinity of the Aurelian Walls, though it can be limited and subject to fees. Street parking is often available for a fee of €1.20 per hour within the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Several parking garages are also located near major attractions and gates in the wall. Check for blue lines which indicate paid parking.

Discover more about Aurelian Walls

Constructed between 271 and 275 AD during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, the Aurelian Walls were a response to the increasing threat of barbarian incursions into the Roman Empire. These formidable walls replaced the earlier Servian Walls, which had become obsolete as the city expanded. Stretching approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) around the ancient city, the Aurelian Walls enclosed all seven hills of Rome, as well as the Campus Martius and Trastevere. Built from brick-faced concrete, the walls averaged 3.5 meters (11 feet) in thickness and 8 meters (26 feet) in height, featuring square towers every 100 Roman feet (29.6 meters). Over the centuries, the walls underwent several restorations and enhancements, including a significant doubling of their height in the 4th century AD. The walls incorporated existing structures, such as the Amphitheatrum Castrense, the Castra Praetoria, the Pyramid of Cestius, and sections of aqueducts. Today, large portions of the Aurelian Walls remain standing, a lasting symbol of Rome's enduring strength. Visitors can explore the walls at various points throughout the city, with particularly well-preserved sections located near the Porta San Sebastiano. The Museo delle Mura, housed within the Porta San Sebastiano, offers insights into the walls' construction and history. Although the walls are generally not walkable due to their structure and for security reasons, following their perimeter provides a unique perspective on the ancient city.

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