Porta Nuova, Palermo, Italy

Porta Nuova is a monumental city gate of Palermo. It represents the entrance of the Cassaro (the main and most ancient street of the city) from Corso Calatafimi (the way to Monreale) and is located beside Palazzo dei Normanni, royal palace of Palermo.

According to the historian Tommaso Fazello the original gate was built in the 15th century. After the Charles V's conquest of Tunis, the Emperor came to Sicily. He entered in Palermo through this gate on 5 September 1535. In order to commemorate this event, the Senate of Palermo decreed to rebuild the gate in a more sumptuous style. The Viceroy of Sicily Marcantonio Colonna set off the construction in 1583. The gate was completed in 1584.

The gate was destroyed in 1667 because of a fire erupted inside the warehouse of the building. The Senate of Palermo commissioned the architect Gaspare Guercio to rebuild the gate. The work was completed in 1669.

The facade leading to the Cassaro has the typical style of the triumphal arches. The facade leading to the Corso Calatifimi and Piazza Indipendenza presents four big telamones depicting the Moors defeated by Charles V.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Erik Janssen (8 months ago)
Impressive port to the historical centre. The outside has beautiful sculptures reflecting the rich history of the city.

Carole Bradshaw (10 months ago)
Lovely port with many yachts and small vessels moored here. A few cafes and some nice areas to sit and enjoy to view.

Tim Edkins (12 months ago)
Great arch towards Palermo cathedral. Arabic with Norman finish on top

Ziya Tabassian (15 months ago)
Very nice and beautiful gate. It’s the main gate to the city the west side of the old city.

Paul Warren (2 years ago)
Fabulous place to visit!

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