4.9
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53
hikers
Aurelian Walls Loop Trail
04:53
18.7km
130m
Hiking
Embark on the Aurelian Walls Loop Trail, a moderate urban hike that traces the impressive ancient fortifications of Rome. This 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route offers a unique blend of historic architecture and city life, guiding you along well-preserved sections of the walls. You will encounter varied terrain, from paved streets to designated paths, as you gain 431 feet (131 metres) in elevation. Expect continuous views of the defensive system, with highlights like Porta San Sebastiano, and enjoy the atmosphere of exploring Rome's historic heart. The entire loop typically takes around 4 hours and 52 minutes to complete.
Planning your hike along the Aurelian Walls is straightforward, as the route is generally accessible throughout the year. While no specific permits or fees are required for the walls themselves, be prepared for a long day of walking due to the significant distance involved. You can easily break the route into shorter sections if you prefer a less demanding experience, allowing you to tailor the adventure to your energy levels. Consider starting early to make the most of your day and avoid peak crowds, especially during warmer months.
This trail provides a compelling journey through Rome's past, allowing you to walk alongside a monumental defensive structure that once protected the city. The Aurelian Walls, built between 271 AD and 275 AD, offer a tangible connection to the Roman Empire's enduring legacy. As you traverse the route, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the scale and engineering prowess of ancient Rome, making it a notable experience for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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1.09 km
Monument to Saint Francis of Assisi (Rome)
Highlight • Monument
The monument to Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) in Porta S. Giovanni square was inaugurated in 1927 on the occasion of the seven hundredth anniversary of the saint's death.
The Committee for the Honor of Saint Francis had already submitted a proposal for a monument commemorating the great saint and patron saint of Italy in 1923. The project was commissioned to the sculptor Giuseppe Tonnini (1875–1954), an artist who had previously collaborated on the design of the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II.
The site chosen for the monument, near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, at the beginning of the green area of Via Carlo Felice, which the municipality had rediscovered and laid out in 1925, is visually connected to the Basilicas of St. Cross in Jerusalem and St. John Lateran and provides a suitable backdrop for the monumental composition. On a high pedestal with tuff steps stands the statue of the saint, depicted in prayer with his arms raised and his palms facing the Basilica of St. John. Behind him are five other statues: set back from the saint and at different levels of the pedestal, they represent the disciples who accompanied him to Rome to meet Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) for the approval of the Rule, and more generally, all his spiritual disciples.
On the front of the monument is the dedicatory inscription; on the other side are the verses of Canto 11 of the Paradise of the Divine Comedy, which Dante Alighieri uses to describe the figure of the saint.
Text / Source: Comunicazione Sovrintendenza, Piazza Lovatelli 35, Rome
sovraintendenzaroma.it/i_luoghi/roma_medioevale_e_moderna/monumenti/monumento_a_san_francesco_d_assisi
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.52 km
Porta San Sebastiano
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tip by
10.6 km
Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel)
Highlight • Castle
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Tip by
12.5 km
View of the Piazza del Popolo
Highlight • Viewpoint
Source: Wikipedia
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Tip by
12.9 km
View of Rome from the Pincio Terrace
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
18.7 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.12 km
4.61 km
3.65 km
1.30 km
641 m
368 m
Surfaces
8.06 km
7.13 km
2.79 km
412 m
277 m
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Elevation
Highest point (80 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 9 May
23°C
16°C
48 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like on the Urban hike around the Aurelian Walls – loop tour?
The route offers a varied urban terrain, including paths, streets, roads, footpaths, and designated hiking paths. You'll be walking through ancient and modern parts of Rome, so expect a mix of surfaces.
How long does it typically take to complete this urban hike?
Komoot estimates the moving time for this 18.7 km (11.6 miles) loop to be around 4 hours and 50 minutes. However, given the numerous historical sites and viewpoints, many hikers find it can be an eight-hour endeavor or even longer if you stop frequently to explore.
What historical landmarks and viewpoints can I see along the route?
You'll encounter many significant sights. Key highlights include the impressive Porta San Sebastiano, the Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Monument to Saint Francis of Assisi. For panoramic views, don't miss the View of the Piazza del Popolo and the stunning View of Rome from the Pincio Terrace. You'll also see other gates like Porta Maggiore and Porta Pia, and the Pyramid of Cestius.
Is the Urban hike around the Aurelian Walls – loop tour suitable for beginners?
While Komoot classifies this hike as 'moderate' and suitable for all skill levels, it does require good fitness due to its significant length of nearly 19 kilometers (12 miles). If you're a beginner, consider breaking the route into shorter sections or ensure you're prepared for a long day of walking.
What is the best time of year to hike the Aurelian Walls loop?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are generally the best times. The weather is usually pleasant, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the cooler, wetter days of winter. This allows for comfortable walking and sightseeing.
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Yes, this urban hike is generally dog-friendly. As it primarily follows city streets and paths, dogs are usually welcome on a leash. Be mindful of city traffic and ensure your dog is comfortable with long distances on varied surfaces.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to walk the Aurelian Walls loop?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to walk the general route around the Aurelian Walls. It's an open urban path. However, individual attractions or museums along the way, such as the Museo delle Mura, may have their own entrance fees.
Where can I park near the starting point of the Aurelian Walls loop tour?
As this is an urban hike in Rome, dedicated parking can be challenging. Public parking garages are available throughout the city, but it's often more convenient to use public transport to reach a suitable starting point. Consider starting near a metro station or bus stop that aligns with your preferred section of the walls.
Does this urban hike intersect with other well-known paths in Rome?
Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers significant portions of the Ciclabile DORSALE TEVERE (Castel Giubileo-Ponte di Mezzocammino) and the Regina Ciclarum (Roma-mare). You'll also find sections that overlap with the Pellegrinaggio delle Sette Chiese and the EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - part Italy 2.
Are there places to get food or drinks along the Aurelian Walls hike?
Absolutely! As an urban hike through Rome, you'll pass through various neighborhoods like Testaccio, offering numerous opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can grab a snack, a meal, or refill your water bottle.
Can I walk on top of the Aurelian Walls during the hike?
While not all sections of the original walls are publicly accessible for walking directly on them, you can experience walking on a portion of the walls at the Museo delle Mura, located at Porta San Sebastiano. This offers a unique perspective and insight into the ancient fortifications.
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Trail Reviews
Rome day 2 Today we decided to hike along the Aurelian Walls. We hoped to get a deeper insight into the city, and not just its sights. That's how it was and we were partly very impressed, but in some places also very shocked. On the one hand there is a lot of splendor and on the other hand there are littered areas, everywhere there are tents or simple camps for homeless people. Conclusion: a long day with lots of impressions and a medium drink is one liter 🫣
1750 years ago, more and more Germanic tribes strayed into Italy, which motivated the Romans to expand the old, far too narrow city wall. Emperor Aurelian had the wall built 19 kilometers long and six meters high. Over a hundred years later, large parts of the wall were raised to 11 meters - but Alaric would overcome it just a few years later. Alaric "only" plundered the wall, but did not tear it down. Even in the Dark Middle Ages, when a few thousand remaining Romans grazed their sheep among the ruins, the wall remained standing. And when the great "make an avenue ring out of the city wall" era began in the 19th century, Italy was not yet a nation state, and the Pope at the time still used the wall (which had since been expanded to include the Vatican City) for defensive purposes. Today, Rome is the only city with a population of one million with an almost completely preserved city wall that you can walk along the outside. An impressive history lesson! Suitable book recommendation: "A History of Rome in seven Sackings"