Porta Asinaria, Rome, Italy

The Porta Asinaria is a gate in the Aurelian Walls of Rome. Dominated by two protruding tower blocks and associated guard rooms, it was built between 270 and 273, at the same time as the Wall itself. It is through this gate that East Roman troops under General Belisarius entered the city in 536, reclaiming the city for the Byzantine Empire from the Ostrogoths.

By the 16th century it had become overwhelmed by traffic. A new breach in the walls was made nearby to create the Porta San Giovanni. At this point, the Porta Asinaria was closed to traffic.

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User Reviews

Rio Jer (5 years ago)
Anq amazing place ,

Janos Kosa (5 years ago)
A bit hidden gate of ancient Rome, for me it was the most beautiful.

Kuala Bound (5 years ago)
In 1574 Pope Gregory XIII (Boncompagni) removed the travertine blocks of the cladding belonging this arch gate (known also as Porta Lateranensis) to reuse on the nearby new Porta di San Giovanni opened for 1575 Jubilee. So this III century BC ancient opening of the Aurelian Walls, was closed till its restoration in 1951. Originally was a small gate but Emperor Honorius (384-423) renovated it entirely by adding also the towers, a storm door and an internal courtyard.

Urban Traveler (6 years ago)
Picturesque part of the old Roman walls

i pm (7 years ago)
Very nice, not really widely publicized, ancient part of Rome. Part of the old city wall is still under reconstruction. The gate has nicely been preserved. There is an info board located between the gate and Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.

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