Tor Sanguigna, Medieval tower near Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Tor Sanguigna stands at a corner north of Piazza Navona and was built with alternating rows of bricks and tufa stone blocks. The structure remains visible from two external sides and features four asymmetrical windows oriented toward Via Zanardelli.
The tower was built in the 12th or 13th century and originally belonged to the Sanguigni family. Over the centuries it witnessed major political struggles that shaped the city.
The tower incorporates fragments from ancient Rome into its walls, including a carved stone head visible at the first-floor level. This blending shows how medieval builders reused older materials and how the city has grown in layers over many centuries.
The tower is located in central Rome and easy to reach on foot near major plazas and streets. The best views of the structure are from Via Zanardelli, where the facade and window details are clearly visible.
Stone rings are visible under the battlements that once held wooden beams for defense. These beams allowed defenders to drop materials or objects on anyone attacking from below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.