San Gallo Gate, Florence
The San Gallo Gate (Porta San Gallo) in Piazza della Liberta in Florence is one of the most interesting sights of the city. The gate is part of the medieval fortification and was once the northern entrance to the city. Famous Triumphal Arch is located not far from the square.
The History of Porta San Gallo
In the Middle Ages the gates of San Gallo had a significant role for the citizens and visitors: passing through them, thousands of travellers would get on the road to the city of Bologna. The doors and keys of the Porta San Gallo have survived to this day and are exhibited in the Historical Museum.
The gate has a lot of inscriptions:
- At the base of the construction, an aphorism dedicated to the captain Rolandino da Canossa is written. He was the leader of the so-called Guelph party that aimed to reduce the influence of the Roman Emperor in Italy. The writing dates back to 1285.
- The text of 1708 is dedicated to the King of Denmark Frederick IV who arrived in Florence through the San Gallo Gates. The ruler came to the city in search of a girl with whom he fell in love while being a prince. She turned out to be Caterina de Pazzi. Unfortunately, by that time the lady had already taken the monastic vows.
The outer side of the Porta San Gallo is decorated with sculptures of lions, symbols of the Guelph party. On the inside, you can still see partially preserved frescoes depicting the Virgin and the saints.
How to get there
Take Piazza della Liberta as a landmark to get to the Porta San Gallo. There is the Liberta bus stop nearby that lies on the routes №1, 7, 25, 82, 302А, 307А, 319А, С1.
