Mura di Carlo V, Defensive wall structure in Catania, Italy.
The Mura di Carlo V is a fortification system with eleven bastions and multiple access gates built from local volcanic stone around the city perimeter. The structure extends across different sections, connecting areas like the Bastione degli Infetti and the Bastione del Tindaro.
Construction began in 1541 under Viceroy Vega following Emperor Charles V's orders to defend the city against Turkish invasions. The walls were part of a broader defense strategy for the Kingdom of Sicily against maritime threats.
The gates show how military needs and local building traditions merged through the use of lava stone and marble. You can see this blend of function and craftsmanship in the preserved sections today.
The preserved sections offer several walking routes through Catania, allowing you to explore different bastions and their positions along the former city wall. Most areas are accessible on foot and require no special equipment.
The Porta dei Canali section marks where the Amenano River once flowed before being buried during an earthquake. This underground river still flows beneath the city today, a hidden reminder of its past.
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