Porta Aurelia-Sancti Petri, Roman city gate near Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy.
The Porta Aurelia-Sancti Petri was a stone gateway set into the defensive walls surrounding Castel Sant'Angelo, linking Rome with the Vatican side of the river. It functioned as the northern entry point and allowed passage via the Pons Aelius bridge.
The gate came into being when Emperor Honorius converted Hadrian's Mausoleum into a fortress between 401 and 403. Its construction reflected the city's effort to reinforce defenses during a period of external pressure.
This gate connected Rome to the path leading toward Saint Peter, gaining importance after the original basilica was built in the area. It represented a passage between the secular city and the sacred site for pilgrims and residents alike.
The site is located near the riverbank and becomes visible as you approach Castel Sant'Angelo. Be aware that the remains are integrated into the castle's modern fortifications and are not accessible as a separate structure today.
The gate received its double name to distinguish it from another gate on the Janiculum hill that shared its original name. This naming reflects how the city organized and labeled its entry points to avoid confusion among residents and travelers.
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