Leonine City, Ancient defensive wall in Vatican City, Italy
The Leonine Wall extends for 3 kilometers around Vatican Hill, featuring 44 towers and multiple gates that form the current border of Vatican City.
Pope Leo IV ordered the construction of these walls between 848 and 852 following the Saracen raid on St. Peter's Basilica in 846.
The enclosed area became known as the Leonine City, functioning as a separate municipality with its own magistrates and governor until 1870.
The walls contain several entry points, including the Porta San Pellegrino and Porta Cavalleggeri, which serve as access routes to Vatican Museums and St Peter's Square.
The Passetto di Borgo section of the wall contains an elevated fortified corridor connecting the Vatican Palace to Castel Sant'Angelo for papal evacuations.
Location: Rome
Part of: Italy–Vatican City border
GPS coordinates: 41.90306,12.45972
Latest update: May 27, 2025 09:51
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Gardener's Lodge
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