Porta Maggiore, Lazio Travel Guide

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Explore Porta Maggiore: a majestic Roman gate, ancient aqueduct support, and historic gateway in the Aurelian Walls.

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Porta Maggiore

Porta Maggiore, also known as Porta Praenestina, is an ancient Roman gate built in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius. Originally designed as a decorative support for the Aqua Claudia and Anio Novus aqueducts, it later became part of the Aurelian Walls and remains a significant historical landmark and transportation hub in Rome.

A brief summary to Porta Maggiore

Piazza di Porta Maggiore, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00182, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Porta Maggiore.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the gate and surrounding area.
Take a moment to relax in the nearby piazza and enjoy a coffee at a local cafe.
Look for guided tours that include Porta Maggiore to learn more about its history and significance.
Check out the nearby Tomb of Eurysaces, an unusual monument built by a wealthy Roman baker.

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Explore Porta Maggiore on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

Piazza di Porta Maggiore is a major transport hub in Rome. From Termini Station, take bus routes 105, 210, or 313 to Piazza di Porta Maggiore. Alternatively, take tram routes 5 or 14 from the 'Vittorio Emanuele' tram stop. A single-use ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, tobacco shops, and newspaper stands.
Walking

From the Colosseum, head east on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. Continue onto Via Casilina to reach Porta Maggiore. The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers and should take around 30-40 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Rome. A taxi from Termini Station to Porta Maggiore will cost approximately €8-€15, plus a €2 surcharge from Termini Station. The initial fare is €3.50 during the day, with additional charges based on distance and time. Be sure the taxi is official and the meter is running.

Discover more about Porta Maggiore

Porta Maggiore, or the 'Larger Gate,' stands as a monumental testament to Rome's rich history and engineering prowess. Constructed in 52 AD during the reign of Emperor Claudius, it was initially conceived not as a defensive gate, but as an ornamental structure to support two major aqueducts: the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus. These aqueducts were vital to supplying ancient Rome with fresh water, converging at this point to distribute water throughout the city. The channels of these aqueducts can still be observed today, offering a glimpse into the impressive scale of Roman public works.The gate's original name was Porta Praenestina, named after the Via Praenestina, one of the two roads that passed through its arches. The other road was Via Labicana (now Via Casilina), which headed southeast from the city. The name later changed to Porta Maggiore, possibly due to its proximity to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The gate is constructed from white travertine stone and features a double archway adorned with Corinthian columns. The rough, unfinished appearance of the stone shafts and bases was a deliberate architectural choice at the time.In 271 AD, Emperor Aurelian incorporated Porta Maggiore into the Aurelian Walls, transforming it into a functional city gate. This is considered an early example of 'architectural recycling,' repurposing an existing structure for a new purpose. Later, Emperor Honorius further modified the gate in 405 AD, adding a guardhouse. Today, the foundations of this guardhouse are still visible, with the upper portion located to the left of the gate. Close to the gate, outside the walls, lies the Tomb of Eurysaces, a wealthy baker who constructed the tomb in the shape of a large oven.Today, Porta Maggiore is a bustling transportation hub, with buses and trams converging at Piazza di Porta Maggiore. Despite the heavy traffic, the gate remains a captivating historical site, offering visitors a tangible connection to ancient Rome's aqueducts, city walls, and architectural ingenuity.