Porta San Mamante, Ravenna

Porta San Mamante is considered to be the most ancient gate in Ravenna. Today this beautiful construction is separated from any houses or walls. Its name derived from the old church and monastery that used to stand near the arch back in the day. It is generally believed that the gate was built in the 11th century to honor Saint Mamante who had another church dedicated to him nearby. As the time went, the arch fell into more and more despair, and then in 1612–1615, it was entirely reconstructed. The order to restore the landmark was given by the city cardinal Domenico Rivarola. The gate preserved the original appearance it received 400 years ago. Well, except it still needs to be restored. The construction is made of bricks, two stone columns with capitals are holding the vault that is shaped as a three-cornered pediment. It has two marble sculptures of lions holding a plaque with engravings on it.

How to get

The gate is located in the southern part of Ravenna, on Via Baccarini Alfredo, 41 and connects this street with other one called Via Bastione. Within a few hundred meters you can find similar constructions such as Porta Ravegnana, Porta Sisi, and Porta Nuova. Don’t forget to check out the TAMO Mosaic Museum situated nearby. There is a bus stop called Via Romolo Ricci not far from Porta San Mamante where you can catch the bus № 3.