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Porta Latina: Ancient Gateway to Rome

Explore Porta Latina, a historic Roman gate and a remarkable example of ancient Rome's defensive architecture and road systems.

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The Porta Latina, a well-preserved gate in Rome's Aurelian Walls, marks the historic starting point of the Via Latina. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, it offers a glimpse into the city's ancient defenses and the roads that connected Rome to its surrounding territories.

A brief summary to Porta Latina

  • Aurelian Walls, Via di Porta Latina, 14, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00179, IT
  • +39060608
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Combine your visit to Porta Latina with a walk along the surviving sections of the Aurelian Walls for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Visit the nearby Basilica of San Giovanni a Porta Latina, a beautiful church with ancient origins, to enrich your understanding of the area's history.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Parco degli Scipioni, located close to Porta Latina, to enjoy a green space with historical significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roma Termini station, take Metro Line A towards Anagnina and get off at the San Giovanni station. From San Giovanni, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take bus line 87 to Via di Porta Latina. A single metro/bus ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Baths of Caracalla, walk along the Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, then turn onto Via di Porta Latina. The gate will be on your left, integrated into the Aurelian Walls. The walk is approximately 20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rome. A taxi from the city center to Porta Latina will cost approximately €8-€15, depending on traffic and the exact location of your starting point. Ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging.

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Discover more about Porta Latina

Porta Latina, or the Latin Gate, stands as a testament to Rome's enduring history and architectural prowess. This single-arched gate, integrated into the Aurelian Walls, once served as a crucial entry point to the city and the starting point of the ancient Via Latina. Constructed in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, the gate was part of a larger defensive system designed to protect Rome from invasion. The Via Latina, which began at Porta Latina, was an important Roman road that extended to Capua, passing through the Latin League area. The gate's structure features irregular travertine blocks, with a row of windows above the arch. Flanking the gate are two semi-circular towers, which were largely rebuilt in the 6th century. Over the centuries, Porta Latina has undergone several restorations, including significant work by Emperor Honorius in the early 5th century. Today, Porta Latina stands as a historical landmark, offering visitors a tangible connection to ancient Rome. Its location near other historical sites, such as the Baths of Caracalla and the Church of San Giovanni a Porta Latina, makes it an enriching stop for history enthusiasts. The surrounding area has been transformed into a park, providing a tranquil space to appreciate this ancient gateway.

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