Rome’s Aurelian walls, from the Tiber to Porta Settimiana. Historical findings and restoration

The portion of city wall the study addressed here corresponds to the first section of the Aurelian Walls, in the inner front of the ancient city, stretching from the right bank of the Tiber to Porta Settimiana. To do the restoration work, it was necessary first to complete a path of first-hand knowledge of the monument, gained not only by surveying the current state, but also through an archaeological campaign involving the entire patrol path. The excavation also presented an opportunity to learn essential data on the type of contact between the masonry nucleus and the outer facing, on the original rainwater elimination system, and on the walkway levels on this path; these precious findings inevitably guided the design choices. In addition to the knowledge path activated on the monument and the new historical information emerging from the study, this paper illustrates the various restoration site phases that involved the different aspects of the discipline, from integrating the masonry curtains to consolidating the tower on this section of wall.