Porta Adriana, Ravenna

Porta Adriana is one of the most ancient gates in Ravenna. It’s beautiful, monumental and impressive in size in comparison to other gates in the area. At one point Porta Adriana served as the western city gate.

History and design

The first mentions of the gate date back to the early 11th century, at the time they were already marked on city maps. It is generally believed that the name originates from the ancient and powerful family patrician Adriani. After 500 years it was decided to reconstruct the gate and Ravenna’s governor Giustiniani from Venice gave permission to do it. As a result, it was named Porta Giustiniana. Then in 1582 cardinal Guido Luca Ferrero put forward an initiative to reconstruct the gate; the construction works were finished in 1583. In 1615 the inside part was restored under the sponsorship of Cardinal Domenico Rivarola. Next modifications were performed in 1857 on the occasion of Pope Pius’ XI visit.

This brick grate is skillfully faced with decorative plaster. Originally, two round toothed towers which later were replaced with square bastions that still can be found on the same place today. They have two sets of fancy marble columns and also plenty of bas-reliefs and decorations made of white marble as well. There is also a marble plaque with port’s name and the year of construction engraved on it. In the 18th century it mysteriously disappeared, but then put back in its place in 1904.

How to get

Porta Adriana is located in the western part of the historical center of Ravenna, at the end of Via Camillo Benso Cavour street. The National Museum and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia can be found nearby. The closest bus stop is situated within 100 meters from the venue and called Piazza Baracca. You can catch the bus № 70 there.