Moletta Tower

By the Editors of the Madain Project

The Moletta Tower (Torre della Moletta), also known as the Frangipani Tower, is a medieval period tower on the south end of the Circus Maximus in Rome. The tower is the only structure that remains standing from the medieval period. At the time the area was called Torris in Capite Circi, but usually simply called Torre della Moletta (tower of the water mille).

Overview

The name "Torre della Moletta" derives from the fact that the medieval building now present inside the Circus Maximus was once built against a mill using water from the so-called Fosso di San Giovanni, a watercourse that the Romans had already called Aqua Iulia (because it passed through the Palatine where the imperial palaces stood) or more characteristically Aqua Circuli in reference to the circus. The water reached the area of the tower (or near the "spina" of the circus) in 46 BCE when, as narrated by Suetonius, Julius Caesar, after having organised a mock battle and a hunt in the circus, had the stretch of ditch dug for the safety of the spectators.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, the area of ​​the Circus Maximus was used for vineyards and vegetable gardens. During this period, a mill was built for the processing of agricultural products with a defensive tower to protect an area of ​​great importance for the supply of food.

In the early Middle Ages the area fell into such a state of decay that the Einsiedeln Itinerary and the Liber Pontificalis already mention the ruin of the ancient church of Santa Lucia in Septisolio, which was first closed and then completely destroyed. In the 16th century CE the corresponding cardinal deaconry was finally abolished.

In 1145 CE the tower became the property of the Frangipane family who gave it its current shape with its characteristic quadrangular plan and an upper part characterised by blind arches. At the same time, the Frangipane made it the centre of a real fortified complex. In 1213 CE the tower was inhabited by Iacopa dei Normanni (also known as Iacopa dei Settesoli), widow of Graziano Frangipane, who had retired here after her husband's death and after her entry into the Third Franciscan Order. It was in that very year that Francis of Assisi came to Rome for his last stay in the eternal city. According to legend, the saint was hosted by Iacopa in her home, and for this reason the woman received a lamb as a gift.

The buildings around the tower, including the mill and other medieval houses, were finally demolished in 1943 according to a plan by the fascist regime, a plan which was later abandoned due to the war events.

Architecture

circa 1100 CE-

The tower is square and is slightly wider at the top end. Beneath the broad part there are blind arches, while on the top there are battlements.

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See Also

References

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