Torre della Moletta, Medieval tower at Circus Maximus, Rome, Italy
The Torre della Moletta is a square fortified tower built from tuff, limestone fragments, and irregular brick courses near the Circus Maximus. The structure combines solid medieval construction with materials that reflect both ancient and contemporary building practices.
The Frangipane family acquired the tower in 1145 and integrated it into their defensive network across Rome. This family used medieval towers like this one to secure their power across different districts of the city.
The tower shows how medieval noble families transformed ancient Roman sites into fortified strongholds for control. You can see how the structure fit into their broader network of defensive buildings across the city.
The tower is freely accessible from the outside at any time and sits near the Circo Massimo metro station. It is best to visit during daylight hours to see the details of the structure and understand its setting within the city.
The name Moletta comes from a medieval water mill that once operated nearby, powered by waters from the Fosso di San Giovanni stream. This connection shows how early water systems were linked to the city's fortified structures.
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