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Porta Romana: A Gateway Through Time

Step through history at Porta Romana in Saturnia, Tuscany, the ancient gateway to a village famed for its thermal springs and Etruscan roots.

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Porta Romana in Saturnia, Tuscany, is the only remaining Roman gate of the ancient city, dating back to the 2nd century BC. It marks the entrance to the historic center and offers a glimpse into the town's rich past, with visible chariot grooves on the Roman road beneath it.

A brief summary to Porta Romana

  • Saturnia, Province of Grosseto, 58014, IT

Local tips

  • Take a moment to examine the Roman road passing under the gate; the chariot grooves offer a tangible connection to the past.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Cascate del Mulino for a relaxing soak in the free thermal springs.
  • Explore the historic center of Saturnia, including the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the remains of the Sienese walls.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Porta Romana is located in the heart of Saturnia's historic center. If you are already in the village, simply follow the main street towards the center; the gate is easily visible and accessible on foot.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from Manciano or other nearby towns, disembark at the Saturnia Terme bus stop. From there, walk into the town center. Porta Romana is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the bus stop. Bus tickets cost around €1-€7 depending on the distance traveled.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs for Saturnia. Parking is available outside the city walls. Be aware that parking close to the center may be limited, especially during peak season. Paid parking is available for around €2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of €10. From the parking area, Porta Romana is a short walk into the historic center.

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Discover more about Porta Romana

Porta Romana, the Roman Gate, stands as a proud testament to Saturnia's layered history. Constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, it is the sole survivor of the four original Roman gates of Saturnia. This historical landmark marks the entrance to the heart of Saturnia, a town with origins stretching back to the Etruscans and even earlier Neolithic settlements. Walking through Porta Romana is like stepping back in time. The gate frames a section of the ancient Via Clodia, a Roman road that once connected Saturnia to other key settlements in Tuscany. Look closely, and you can still see the grooves worn into the paving stones by the countless carts and chariots that passed through the gate over centuries. Saturnia itself is a captivating village with a rich and turbulent past. It has been under the control of various powers, including the Aldobrandeschi family, the Orsini counts, and the Republic of Siena. The village was even burned to the ground in the 1300s and largely forgotten until its thermal waters regained popularity. Today, Saturnia is best known for its thermal springs, particularly the Cascate del Mulino, where warm, mineral-rich waters cascade over natural rock formations.

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