Arch of Drusus and Germanicus, Roman triumphal arch near Piazza del Mercato, Spoleto, Italy.
The Arch of Drusus and Germanicus is a Roman triumphal gate with a single opening built from large stone blocks fitted together in Roman style. Today only fragments of the original decorative elements remain visible, though the sturdy stone structure still shows the building techniques from that era.
The monument was built in 23 AD by order of the Spoletan senate to honor Drusus and Germanicus, the son and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius. During the medieval period, surrounding structures were gradually built up and hid the western pillar behind later construction.
The eastern pillar shows remains of the original Roman paving of the cardo maximus, revealing how the ancients planned their streets. These preserved stone layers help visitors understand the routes people traveled and how the city was organized back then.
This site is located along via dell'Arco di Druso, just a short walk from Piazza del Mercato, and connects easily to other historical places in the city. Wear comfortable shoes as the surrounding streets are uneven and follow the layout of ancient roads.
The western pillar remains partly hidden behind medieval buildings, making it difficult for visitors to see it fully from the street. This hidden condition tells the story of how ancient structures became buried under layers of the city's later growth.
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