Muro Torto, Ancient defensive wall section in northern Rome, Italy
Muro Torto is a section of the ancient Aurelian Walls in northern Rome, extending between Via Veneto and Piazza del Popolo behind the Pincian Hill. The structure displays an unusual inclined form that runs along the hillside and is marked by its distinctive slanted profile.
Muro Torto was built as part of Rome's defensive system to protect the city's boundaries against external threats over the centuries. The structure underwent various modifications throughout different periods of Roman history, adapting to changing military and urban needs.
The wall's name, meaning 'twisted wall' in Italian, comes from its distinctive slanted form that appears to defy the usual rules of construction. Visitors notice today how this peculiar tilt sets it apart from the rest of the defensive fortification.
You can best explore this ancient wall on foot while walking from Villa Borghese gardens toward Piazza del Popolo or along the adjacent street. Access is free, and you should allow time to view the unusual structure from multiple angles.
The structure is known for its physically inexplicable tilt that has drawn attention for centuries and continues to fascinate visitors. The fact that this construction remains standing despite its extreme angle remains a puzzling feature that researchers still examine today.
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