Porta Ticinese, Medieval city gate in central Milan, Italy.
Porta Ticinese is a medieval city gate in central Milan that features a central pointed arch passage flanked by two side arches. A crenellated tower crowns the structure at the intersection with Corso di Porta Ticinese.
The gate was built in the 12th century as part of Milan's defensive walls to protect the city. In the 1860s it underwent major renovation work that added the two Gothic side arches seen today.
This gate marks where the Navigli district begins, an area where locals and visitors move through on their way to explore the neighborhood's churches and squares. The passage functions as a natural meeting point where the rhythm of city life shifts toward the quieter, older quarters beyond.
The gate sits on a busy street and works well as a navigation landmark for exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. From here you can easily walk to several nearby churches, historic sites, and the shops and cafes of the Navigli district.
Local residents often call this gate Porta Cicca, a nickname derived from a Spanish word that reflects Milan's historical ties to Spanish rule. This local name shows how place names are shaped by cultural influences that linger across centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
