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The Museum of the City Walls, housed within the majestic Porta San Sebastiano, is one of the most fascinating places to explore the history of Rome’s fortifications. Situated along the southern section of the Aurelian Walls, the museum offers an educational tour to learn about centuries of military architecture and urban transformation.
Spread over two floors within the gate building — one of the most impressive and best-preserved in the entire wall ring — the museum is housed in a structure dating back to the 3rd century AD, originally known as Porta Appia. It consists of two semi-circular towers and a crenellated central section.
The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections - ancient, medieval and modern - and illustrates the how the city’s walls evolved, from the first defensive structures of the Royal and Republican eras to the changes made in late antiquity and the Middle Ages.
One of the most striking features is the walkway, approximately 400 metres long, allowing visitors to walk along an authentic section of the walls, passing through towers and battlements to the arches of Via Cristoforo Colombo. From this point, a panoramic view opens up, taking in the Via Appia (Old Appian Way) and the Castelli Romani.
The museum also features an interactive digital section, which includes video clips, educational games and multimedia content, designed to engage younger visitors.
