Aurelian Walls, Rome

Rome is unique among cities its size for its entire encirclement by its original defensive walls. Built by Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century (not Marcus Aurelius, as is commonly mistaken), the walls retain their original appearance, and though foreign armies have since invested and sacked the capital, the walls did not undergo the fate of those ringing Constantinople. You can head in any one direction -- the walls will eventually limit your progress.

The Appian Way, the ancient Roman road leading into southern Italy, entered the imperial city through this featured gate or 'porta' as the Italians have it. Not far south from this gate are the catacombs and illustrious markers of former emperors.

Access to the city since its encirclement by the Aurelian Wall (and even earlier) has been through one of a dozen city gates that are marked by a wide arch in the fortification. The walls surrounding Vatican City are the most perfectly preserved in the city, but the masonry of the rest still holds. Watch for any one of these gates, and even though your business might lie within the city, step outside the city walls and look down the length of this ancient and wonderfully preserved fortification (3rd century AD).

For centuries, Porta del Popolo was the main gateway into Rome.
For geographical reference, Porta del Popolo is the North entrance into the piazza.

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If you take a stroll along the wall just below Villa Borghese at Via Veneto, here are some of the more notable views.

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Located at the top of the elegant Via Veneto, Porta Pinciana was built in the 4th century and forms part of the old Roman wall. It is also at the edge of the beautiful park of Villa Borghese.