B & B in Florence
Da i' Conte Diladdarno
Le Arti Orafe Jewellery School & Academy
Michele Pero Photography
Omero Benvenuti
Tourist informations
Where is it: at the end of Via Romana and Via de' Serragli.
Porta Romana is the southernmost city Gate; it is located at the confluence between Via dei Serragli and Via Romana and is still today one of the most important access points to the centre.
History
The Gate was built in 1326 as a part of the outermost city walls, and is named after its location at the beginning of the route from Florence to Rome.
The building was modified several times during the centuries: like the other Gates, Porta Romana was pollarded in 16th Century, and at the end of 19th Century several passages were opened at the sides of the Gate due to the increased traffic on the roards and on the new avenues leading to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Click to enlarge pictures.
The tower and the city walls on its sides are perfectly mantained; since 1998 it is also possible to walk on the wall between Porta Romana a Piazza Tasso and enter the big room at the first floor of the Gate.
In the spotlight
Above the vast vault characterizing the Gate is a fresco by Franciabigio, depicting the Madonna with Child and Four Saints;
The room at the first floor can be reached from the stairs on the city walls. From the small windows one can have a beautiful view on the Gardens of Boboli and on the whole city.
This Gate is among those retaining the original wooden leafs with iron nails, complete with all ancient doorlocks.
