The Torre dei Conti

Until just a month ago, the mention of the Torre dei Conti would likely have been met with little recognition, making any meaningful discussion difficult. However, following the partial collapse on November 3, 2025 — a tragic event that resulted in the death of a worker — this monumental symbol of medieval Roman power was suddenly thrust into the public spotlight.

Origins and Medieval Power

The history of the Torre dei Conti begins in the 9th century, when Pietro di Anagni commissioned its construction on one of the exedrae of the Forum of Peace. Four centuries later, Riccardo dei Conti significantly expanded the structure, transforming it into the tallest and most imposing medieval tower in Rome, known as the Torre Maggiore. The poet Petrarch famously described it as “Turris illa toto orbe unica” — a tower unique in the entire world.

At its height, the tower formed part of a fortified complex, or castrum, which also included the Torre delle Milizie and the Torre del Grillo, also known as the Miliziola. This defensive system was designed to protect and control a vast area closely linked to the Lateran and, therefore, to papal authority.

A Strategic and Sacred Territory

The territory under the tower’s influence extended from San Giovanni in Laterano to the Vatican, encompassing Santa Maria Maggiore as well — a basilica that hosted some of the most important Marian celebrations in Rome. The Torre dei Conti thus played a crucial role not only in military defense, but also in the political and religious life of the city.

Collapses, Abandonment, and Reuse

The collapse of November 3, 2025, is not the only dramatic episode in the tower’s long history. As early as the 14th century, two major collapses drastically reduced its height, leading to its abandonment. The precious marble taken from the nearby Imperial Fora, which had long enhanced the tower’s prestige, was later reused for the construction of Porta Pia.

Restorations and Urban Transformation

In the 17th century, Pope Alexander VII ordered a restoration to reinforce the structure after the earthquakes of 1630 and 1644, which had further weakened it. A first attempt to isolate the tower occurred after the Unification of Italy with the construction of Via Cavour. Its definitive urban setting, however, took shape during the Fascist period with the opening of Via dell’Impero.

From 1936, the Torre dei Conti served as headquarters for the Arditi, and after the proclamation of the Republic it was converted into public offices. It remained in use until 2006, when it was vacated and permanently closed.

The Tower Today and the Need for Protection

Today, the Torre dei Conti presents a deeply unsettling appearance, marked by a dramatic wound in its structure. Through the opening, one can sense a dangerous void that poses a real risk of further collapse.

The protection of the Torre dei Conti is essential for preserving Rome’s historical memory. It is our hope that a restoration project will soon be defined, allowing this extraordinary monument to regain its dignity and once again bear witness to the city’s remarkable past.