Torre di Guardia su Cisterna

Why does this tower stand atop a Roman cistern? That’s the Torre di Guardia su Cisterna, a silent sentinel in the Parco degli Acquedotti. The Torre di Guardia su Cisterna isn’t here to intimidate. It speaks of a time when Rome, even in its medieval era, still relied on the ingenuity of its ancestors. The Torre di Guardia su Cisterna, built in the 12th century, perches upon a much older Roman cistern. It’s a fusion of eras. Imagine the tower’s builders, utilizing the sturdy cistern as a foundation. They employed a medieval construction technique, using blocks of peperino stone, interspersed with fragments of marble and recycled Roman bricks. This wasn’t just a watchtower; it was a symbol of continuity. The Torre di Guardia su Cisterna guarded a branch of the Fosso dell’Acqua Mariana, a channel vital for water distribution. This tower ensured the smooth flow of life-giving water. Look closely and you’ll see the eastern corner of the tower still stands, a testament to its enduring strength. It’s a reminder that even in ruins, history has a way of captivating us.