Wieża mieszkalna – twierdza rodu czy symbol miejskiej komuny? Średniowieczne wieże mieszkalne Rzymu

Abstract

RAFAL EYSYMONTT (Univeristy of Wroclaw) / The residential tower - a family stronghold or a symbol of urban commune? Medieval residential towers in Rome
One of the most important elements of the medieval townscape are towers, including residential towers. Italian città turrite are a particularly important example of this phenomenon. They are usually associated with the towns of Tuscany, while less known are the Roman towers, usually hidden in the thicket of medieval and modern buildings surrounding them. They constitute a very good example that offers the possibility of an urban, architectural and socio-historical analysis of this phenomenon. This concerns as much its origins, its original function and its importance in the landscape of the medieval city. The Roman towers are also an excellent exponent of the essence of this architectural form appearing also north of the Alps. The article, prepared as a result of a confrontation of the literature on the subject and the results of field research, addresses these issues.