The evolution of the city walls

Roman Walls

First medieval walls (during the 12th and 13th centuries)

Expansion of the fortified areas (during the 14th and 15th centuries)

1500 - 1525

At the most critical points in the medieval wall seven large towers were erected to improve the protection afforded by the curtain walls.

1525 - 1550

In the southeast the first tract of modern curtain wall was constructed including two semi ramparts with large towers at their points.

1550 - 1575

Santa Maria, the only nose-shaped rampart in the urban wall was created in the southwest part of the walls to protect the newly built San Pietro gate. To the north the San Frediano platform took shape.

1575 - 1600

Numerous modifications, demolitions, and new construction gave new shape to the walls; the San Martino and San Salvatore ramparts took the shape they have today.

1600 - 1625

In this period work concentrated on the northeast section where the San Pietro rampart took shape and to the south the San Regolo, San Colombano and La Liberta’ ramparts assumed their definitive forms.

1600 - 1625

To the west the San Donato rampart took shape between the Santa Croce and San Paolino ramparts and the new Dan Donato gate was open. The final definitive shape of the city walls was achieved in this period with only minor modifications for the opening of two new gates in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.