Aurelian Walls

Aurelian Walls

The Aurelian Walls are an ancient fortification in Rome, built between 271 and 275 AD during the reigns of Roman Emperors Aurelian and Probus. The Aurelian Walls encircled all seven hills of Rome, as well as the Campus Martius and the Trastevere district on the right bank of the Tiber River. The riverside section within the city seems to have been undefended, but the part along the Campus Martius was certainly fortified.

The Aurelian Walls stretched for 19 kilometers and enclosed an area of 13.7 square kilometers. Constructed from brick and concrete, the walls were 3.5 meters thick and 8 meters high, with a square tower every 100 Roman feet (29.6 meters). By the 5th century, the height of the walls had been doubled to 16 meters. By 500 AD, the walls featured 383 towers, 7,020 crenellations, 18 main gates, 5 postern gates, 116 latrines, and 2,066 external windows, forming a formidable and robust defensive line.

Although the Aurelian Walls no longer serve as a defensive line against invaders, they add a historic charm to the ancient city of Rome. Modern vehicles drive in and out of the towering gates, while visitors stroll or take photos in small groups — a truly fascinating sight.

Aurelian Walls

Must-visit reason: Rome’s most majestic ancient wall

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]