Mura Aureliane
Archaeological site
Ancient city gate
Mura Aureliane
The mighty city wall of the Emperor Aurelian
With increasing problems along the Roman borders, the need for strengthening the city’s defences was growing, which Emperor Aurelian solved with the construction of the Aurelian walls between 270 and 275. The city wall of Severin only protected the historical centre of the city, which had grown over the centuries. Therefore Aurelian constructed a second military ring around Rome. The 20 kilometre long, 4 metres wide and 7 metres high wall was to protect Rome especially against incursions from the north. The Emperor Honorius even increased the wall in 423 to 11 metres in height and fortified it in addition with 380 towers and 16 gates. Although the wall was used as a quarry after the fall of Rome, some nice sections remain. The Museo delle Mura at the Porta San Sebastiano tells the story of the Mura Aureliane. Many of the former city gates as the Porta San Paolo, the Porta Maggiore, the Porta Pia, the Porta San Sebastiano, the Porta del Popolo and the Porta Tiburtina are still preserved and in good condition.
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