The Torrecchia Vecchia
castrum
in Cisterna di Latina. Analysis of the masonry structures and
construction characteristics
The Torrecchia Vecchia
castrum
is a settlement fortified during the medieval era. It probably stands on the
remains of an ancient Roman settlement, and it is now part of a large agricultural estate called ‘Tenuta di
Torrecchia Vecchia’ by Cisterna di Latina, in Southern Lazio. This work aims to deepen the knowledge of
the
castrum
and understand its origin.
The historical research has clarified the ancient boundaries of the
castrum
and allowed the tracing of the
various changes of ownership. The clarification on the construction phases, based on the study of the
monument, led to the identification of different types of walls.
The stratigraphic reading helped to define the periods of the original construction, the following
transformations and the enlargements of the castle and the settlement.
The study of the architectural remains enabled the identification of the ancient function of the
castrum:
first of all, the control and the defense of the territory; housing and agriculture purpose later.
