The Museum of the Walls in Rome: a tour among ancient stones and old battles. Perfect if you want to hear war stories... and if you're a fan of bricks.
Dove si trova
Where it is located
A Museum Between the Stones (Literally)
The Museum of the Walls is located on the ancient Aurelian Walls, which surround Rome like an old coat that refuses to be thrown away. Sure, the walls are a bit worn, but hey, they’ve survived more invasions than you can count. Walking here is like entering an exclusive club frequented by Roman generals, barbarians, and, why not, the occasional lost tourist.
So, what can you find in this museum? Walls. Lots of walls. And if you think they’re just stones thrown together randomly, you’re sorely mistaken. These stones have witnessed sieges, battles, and probably a few love stories exaggerated by poets of the time. Every corner of the museum offers a new glimpse into the history of Rome, and sometimes even the perfect spot to sit and reflect on how, in the end, things haven’t changed that much: people then, just like today, were looking for a quiet place to escape the chaos.
When Walls Mattered
The Aurelian Walls were built around 270 A.D. by Emperor Aurelian, a guy who didn’t do things halfway. Back then, Rome was like your wealthy neighbor: it had everything everyone wanted, and everyone wanted a piece. So, Aurelian decided to build a massive wall, basically saying, “Look, but don’t touch.” The walls were meant to protect Rome from invaders, but also to reassure Romans, who were starting to worry about those barbarians out there.
But like any grand construction, the Aurelian Walls had their challenges. With restorations, expansions, and the occasional bit falling off, they’ve managed to survive to this day. Sure, they’ve seen better days, but how many things do you know that have survived over a thousand years of history? Exactly, not even your smartphone.
Stories the Bricks Won’t Tell You
One of the most curious episodes related to the Walls is that of Belisarius, the Byzantine general who defended Rome from the Goths in the 6th century. It’s said that while the Goths were trying to scale the walls, Belisarius was so relaxed he took a tea break. Of course, the history books don’t mention the tea, but let me dream.
Then there were the restorations by Honorius in 401 A.D., who decided to reinforce the walls just as the Visigoths were preparing to invade. Imagine the scene: “Don’t worry, folks, the walls are ready; nothing can happen.” And then... boom, the sack of Rome. Not exactly the best commercial for the engineers of the time.
Perché te lo consiglio
Te lo consiglio perché queste mura rappresentano i difetti umani: l'arroganza di credere che un muro possa fermare tutto, la paura degli invasori e la speranza di un futuro sicuro.
Perché non te lo consiglio
Non te lo consiglio perché se non ami i mattoni e preferisci musei interattivi pieni di lucine e schermi, potresti trovarlo... un po' statico.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend it because these walls represent human flaws: the arrogance of believing a wall can stop everything, the fear of invaders, and the hope for a safe future.
Why I Don't Recommend It
I don’t recommend it because if you’re not into bricks and prefer interactive museums full of lights and screens, you might find it... a bit static.
