Isola Farnese, Medieval village in northwest Rome, Italy.
Isola Farnese is a medieval village in northwest Rome situated on a volcanic cliff with stone buildings throughout its layout. Narrow streets connect the structures while ancient walls encircle the settlement and define its boundaries.
The settlement emerged in the medieval period and was first documented in 1003 when fortifications existed at this location. Later rulers visiting Rome used it as a temporary residence during their stays.
The central square features a church building that preserves stone fragments from Roman times embedded into its walls. These architectural remnants show how medieval construction reused materials from the ancient past.
The village is accessible from central Rome by public transportation, though the journey takes considerable time to complete. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for navigating steep lanes and uneven ground throughout the settlement.
Beyond the castle walls, large square rooms were carved directly into the volcanic rock to serve as dwellings and storage areas. This practical approach to construction took advantage of the site's natural geology to create sheltered spaces.
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