Mura Ciclopiche e Medievali
The Walls of Spoleto are divided into two different routes: the first, also called "Cyclopean Walls", has arisen several times between I-VI centuries BC and it was used until the Middle Ages; the second, called "Medieval Walls", on which work began in 1297, was finished presumably in the early fourteenth century. Cyclopean Walls are constituted by layers of limestone blocks of different shapes: the lower layer is composed of large polygonal boulders characterized by complete absence of binders. They run for about two kilometers, following the shape of the St. Elia's Hill, including the oldest inhabited the wide green spaces, but excluding the top, where centuries later will erect the Albornoziana Rock. Walls opened in five main gates, plus some pusterle. The ancient city was completely abandoned following the enlargement of the city, when it became necessary to build new Walls, this time made of stone and river pebbles bound together by mortar. Between a tower and the other, they are still visible ten slots. In the following period, the city enclosed in Medieval Walls was considered impassable, therefore, was designed by Ireneo Aleandri a new road structure, which included the demolition of the old town. The realization of the project took about fifty, was inaugurated in 1870 and did not recognize any historical and artistic value to the Medieval Walls.
