Aurelian Walls

Standing as Rome's largest ancient monument, the Aurelian Walls tell a dramatic story of an empire protecting its heart. Built between 271 and 275 CE, these magnificent fortifications stretch an impressive 12 miles around the city, encircling all seven hills of Rome and the charming Trastevere district. What makes these walls truly fascinating is how Emperor Aurelian built them with ingenious speed and efficiency, incorporating existing structures like the striking Pyramid of Cestius and ancient aqueducts directly into the design. Originally standing 26 feet high with a defensive tower every 100 feet, these brick-faced concrete barriers protected Rome from northern barbarian invasions for over a millennium. Today, you can walk alongside remarkably well-preserved sections and explore several of the original 18 gates that once controlled access to the Eternal City. The walls aren't just ancient stones—they're living history that successfully defended Rome through medieval times, the Renaissance, and even into the 19th century. For families and history enthusiasts alike, tracing these ancient fortifications offers an authentic connection to Rome's past while discovering how this engineering marvel shaped the city we see today.