Rome/Trastevere experts... I gotta know what that thing is!
 

From the back windows of my Trastevere apartment... I can see a large circular structure. (My apartment is on Viale di Trastevere very close to Stazione Trastevere.)

Initially, I thought it was some kind of scaffolding, as it appears to be iron. However, there is nothing behind it. Ironically, hanging on the wall in the living room is a picture of this structure lit up in white lights.

Today, as I was going from Basilica San Paolo to the Cavour stop on the Metro B line, we appeared to pass pretty close to this structure. And, surprise, there appears to be an identical structure next to it, but shorter (maybe half the size of the first).

I have googled til my thumbs are raw.. I cannot find out what this is/these are. Can anyone tell me? Please??? :) Before I drive myself mad?

Grazie mille!
Paula

Oh, wait. More info. I just did a google satellite look. There are actually FOUR of them! The big one is right next to the Ponte della Scienza.

Does this help?

I had to google also and found some informations about it.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...=933304...this is in italian

http://www.wantedinrome.com/news/200....html--English..

looks like an old gas tank to me.

Here's a link to some famous ones in the NYC area for comparison.

tt Nothing above really indicates to me what these are. If they are functional, what are they. If they are art- who designed them and on what property do they reside? Why are the lights no longer on, on the big one? (like in the photo in my apartment)?

How about this?

http://wikimapia.org/855319/Gasometro

Yes, the old Italo Gas plant - Former Officina del Gas.
The area is being redone and pedestrian bridges added to cross the Tiber. Ostiense Marconi Urban Project

http://proceedings.esri.com/library/...cs/pap1288.pdf

forgot the link!
http://placesnomore.wordpress.com/20...lmhurst-tanks/

These tanks are no longer there. A few years ago at a very early hour on a weekend morning, they were imploded. I was able to watch from my Manhattan apartment 8 miles away. Kind of cool to see a little puff of smoke and then the tanks collapsed.

Thanks all. KY, curious as to how you found that document! :) So, yes, apparently old gas tanks. Crazy. Curiosity satisfied. hahah