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Porta Caesarea: Gateway to Ancient Salona

Explore the ancient gateway to Salona, dating back to the 1st century AD, and walk in the footsteps of Roman traders and travelers.

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Porta Caesarea, or Caesar's Gate, stands as a monumental entrance to the ancient Roman city of Salona, near modern-day Solin. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD, this impressive gate once marked the eastern boundary of the city and served as a key point for trade and transportation. Today, the remaining structure offers a glimpse into Salona's rich history and Roman engineering.

A brief summary to Porta Caesarea

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground around the ruins can be uneven.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Salona Amphitheater and other ruins to fully experience the ancient city.
  • Look for the deep ruts in the stone pavement, caused by ancient carts, for a tangible connection to the past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Solin, Porta Caesarea is easily accessible on foot. Head east on Ul. kralja Zvonimira, then turn right onto Ul. don Frane Bulića. Continue straight, and you'll find Porta Caesarea on your left, part of the Salona archaeological site. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Split, take bus line 16 towards Solin. Get off at the 'Solin-Bilankuša' stop. From there, walk east on Ul. kralja Zvonimira, turn right onto Ul. don Frane Bulića, and continue to Porta Caesarea. The walk from the bus stop is about 10 minutes. A single bus fare costs around €1-2.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from Split to Porta Caesarea in Solin typically costs between €12-€15. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance to the Salona archaeological site, from where you can easily walk to Porta Caesarea.

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Discover more about Porta Caesarea

Porta Caesarea, located in Solin, Croatia, is a significant historical landmark that once served as the main eastern gate into the ancient Roman city of Salona. Constructed in the 1st century AD during the rule of Emperor Augustus, the gate was a vital part of Salona's infrastructure, facilitating trade and controlling access to the city. Originally, Porta Caesarea was a monumental structure featuring three entrances: a large central passage for carts and two smaller side entrances for pedestrians. The gate was built with large, precisely cut stone blocks, and its design reflected the grandeur and power of the Roman Empire. Over time, as Salona expanded eastward, the gate lost its primary defensive function and evolved into a triumphal arch, adorned with decorative elements. Today, visitors to Porta Caesarea can still observe the remnants of the ancient Roman road, with visible ruts worn into the stone pavement by centuries of cart traffic. These tracks offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing one to imagine the bustling activity that once characterized this gateway. Although much of the upper structure is missing, the remaining walls and tower provide insight into the scale and importance of Porta Caesarea within the ancient city of Salona. Exploring Porta Caesarea offers a fascinating journey into Croatia's Roman past, complementing visits to other nearby ruins and archaeological sites.

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