Abstract

The residential complex belonging to the Conti (one of the main prominent aristocratic families between centuries XII and XIV in Rome), represents, with its Tower, the first baronial fortress in Rome, presumably dated between late XII and early XIII centuries. The article proposes an ideal reconstruction of the medieval asset, in the light of the latest studies on baronial settlements and familiar complexes during the Middle Age and starting from a backwards reading of the sources supporting the area's transformations. As in other contemporaneous settlements, Conti's residence was at first a fortified and isolated building, surrounded by a crenellated fence, delimitating its boundaries with gardens belonging to the same family. The complex used structures and materials of Forum Pacis. In conclusion, the article will show some observations about stratigraphy and reading of the Tower's building structures, conducted by S. Ferrari Toniolo and F. Fiano, within some researches for their post graduate dissertation (Scuola di Specializzazione in Beni Architettonici, "Sapienza" University of Rome).