Ancient Palatina Gate Porta Palatina in Turin

23/08/2010 Indrani Ghose

Remains of ancient Palatino gate Porta Palatina in Turin! I stared in disbelief trying to convince myself: yes this is from 1^st century BC! Do I touch it?

This is one of the world’s oldest well preserved and maintained Roman gates. Porta Palatina, the Roman entrance to the city is a part of the remains of the city of Augusta Taurinorum, founded by Romans in 28 B.C. The polygonal towers are later additions to the original structure. The merlons atop the right tower are from 1404.

Ancient Palatine Gates Porta Palatina in Turin

History of Palatine Gates of Porta Palatino

As per history records it is not clear what the gates were made for. If they were meant for palaces then the possibilities mentioned are:

Former Casa del Senato (House of the Senate), a medieval palace located very close to the Palatine Gate, inside the city walls
Second possibility points to Palazzo di Città (City Palace), the city hall of Turin placed not far from the gate
They could also have been for the adjacent amphitheater in historical neighborhood right outside the old city walls north of the Porta Palatina.

The magnificent Porta Palatina, an ancient Roman city gate in the vibrant Northern Italian city of Turin (Torino), serves as a splendid entrance to the city center. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a remarkable sight to behold. Interestingly, we are fortunate that this architectural gem was not demolished during the 18th century when urban renewal projects prioritized progress over preserving heritage and artifacts.

Despite its current surroundings of modern buildings, some adorned with graffiti and unconventional art, the Porta Palatina maintains its awe-inspiring allure. Its location does not diminish its splendor. In fact, the gate stands as one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Europe, a testament to its enduring magnificence.

The Porta Palatina holds immense cultural importance, serving as the most significant archaeological site in Turin, alongside the nearby Roman theater. Its historical value lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its representation of the city’s rich ancient heritage. Exploring the gate allows visitors to step back in time and envision the grandeur of the Roman era, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

The statues of Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar look majestic. These statues are the copies of the original ones that existed here.

Statue of Julius Caesar

Statue of Augustus Caesar

Archeological Park near the Palatina Gates

There is neat well maintained park nearby, Tourists, travelers, locals can spend good quality time in the lawns of the archeological park. Nearby there are are high rise modern buildings. It was obvious most of the local kids have a good game in this ancient piece of land!

During the Augustan Age in the 1st century, the Porta Palatina, an expansive brick gate, was constructed. It was originally part of the defensive wall encircling the city and likely connected to a palace, which explains its name. Even in ancient times, the gate would have been a remarkable sight, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship of the era.

In Roman times, gates served vital functions, playing a crucial role in protecting cities from invasions and regulating the flow of people and goods entering and exiting the city. The Porta Palatina would have fulfilled these purposes, functioning as a gateway for surveillance and control.

Over time, the gate underwent transformations. It became integrated into a medieval fortification before eventually falling into disrepair and ruin for several centuries. Despite the passage of time, the Porta Palatina stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman architecture and engineering.

Italy is renowned for its abundance of Roman ruins, each varying in size and scale. When exploring the northern region of Italy, a visit to the charming city of Turin (formerly known as Julia Augusta Taurinorum in Roman times) is highly recommended. Alongside its ancient wonders, the city boasts a blend of modern marvels and offers breathtaking views of the majestic Alps. It is a destination that beautifully intertwines the past and the present, captivating visitors with its historical significance and natural splendor.

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