In the historic center, in addition to municipal buildings, townhouses and places of worship, are the “Case Torri,” witnesses to the urban pattern of the medieval town where they performed the dual function of defense and display of high social status.
They were born in the 10th century with the consorterie, family-based associations for the protection of common interests, including precisely the defensive one, and only the families of the nobles or militia were granted the privilege of owning them.
They were placed at strategic points in the city at a time when the city of Tivoli was subject to continuous and violent barbarian invasions.
The taller “Case Torri” are designed in such a way as to resist enemy attacks in the event of an invasion: lacking a ground-floor entrance, they had very high windows, and a retractable ladder was used to get inside the house.
In addition, the building structure was characterized by large load-shedding arches, such that even in case of partial demolition, the Tower would not collapse.
Tivoli had developed this urban model by placing its “Tower Houses” at strategic points in the city in order of visibility, within the perimeter of the 10th-century walls to control the main access routes and the various slopes of the hill.
Certainly the best preserved “Case Torri” is the one on Seminary Street, number 15, but walking through the alleys one can admire many others.
Ready to go? Here you can find everything you need.
Easily find all the tourist sites to visit in Tivoli
