Porta Gaza, Ravenna

Porta Gaza is located in the center of Ravenna and considered to be one the most ancient landmarks in the city. Today the gate looks quite plain and unjustly forgotten especially taking into account its century-old history. Besides, it has been serving as a decoration for quite some time. The first time the gate was mentioned dates back to 1186, then in 1253, it was brought up in records once again. However, Porta Gaza was built way before that, no doubt. The region where the arch is set was called Gazi which originated from the ancient and powerful family Gazzi that used to live in this city back in 824. In 1750 monsignor Ferdinando Guiccioli ordered to restore the gate. After that in 1798 it became only a wall and since then they stopped serving its defensive purpose. During the World War II Porta Gaza as well as building nearby were almost destroyed. Today the gate owes its current appearance to the reconstruction works performed after the war.

The simple and beautiful gate is made completely out of brick. It is detailed with white marble edges with monograms of Jesus Christ and Mary engraved on their sides.

How to get

Porta Gaza is located in the southern part of the historical center of Ravenna, on a narrow street called Via Porta Gaza. The Archiepiscopal Museum, TAMO Museum as well as Column with the statue of Mary can be found nearby. The closest bus stop is Santa Teresa. You can catch buses № 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 80, 154, 155, 157, 158, 159, 161, 162, 296.)