Preserved on Via della Sforzesca are reconstructed sections of the Walls. The typical undulating rows of brickwork from the early Middle Ages (8th-9th centuries) are visible here; inside the area of the Public Works Department of Rome is a long section rebuilt in the 17th century, decorated with the coats of arms of Popes Gregory XV and Urban VIII. During the reign of the latter pope, the Papal State was engaged in the war of Castro against the Farnese family, who were threatening Rome. For this reason, the city’s defences were reinforced with the construction of the walls of the Janiculum Hill and restoration work at various points along the walls. These works involved the extensive use of re-used material.
