Episcopio di Porto, Medieval fortified settlement in Fiumicino, Italy
The Episcopio di Porto is a fortified medieval settlement in Fiumicino featuring preserved walls with battlements and an entrance gate displaying Pope Sixtus IV's coat of arms. The complex contains residential buildings, a church, and a central courtyard enclosed by defensive walls.
The settlement developed in medieval times as a fortified bishop's residence and underwent major reconstruction in 1483 under Pope Sixtus IV. These restoration works modernized the structures and reinforced the site's role as an important ecclesiastical stronghold.
The central courtyard is framed by the Church of Saints Hippolytus and Lucy, which serves as a focal point for the community. This sacred space shapes the rhythm of daily life in the settlement and reflects how inhabitants connect with their spiritual heritage.
This is a quiet, little-visited enclave best explored on foot, allowing time to wander and observe the details. The layout is straightforward to navigate, and the areas are open for visitors to access freely.
The entrance gate is flanked by two marble columns salvaged from the ancient Necropolis of Portus, linking the structure directly to the region's Roman past. These repurposed elements reveal how medieval builders incorporated classical materials into their fortifications.
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