Porta Tiburtina, Ancient city gate in eastern Rome, Italy.
Porta Tiburtina is an ancient passageway in eastern Rome with a main archway flanked by two towers, built from large stone blocks with classical decorative details. The structure was originally designed to carry three aqueducts across the Via Tiburtina and was later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls.
The gate was originally built in the 1st century under Emperor Augustus to support water channels across the roadway. Over centuries it underwent repairs and was later repurposed as part of the city walls constructed afterward.
The gate displays inscriptions that document repairs to the aqueducts by different emperors over time. These carved records show how Romans maintained their water systems across centuries.
The site is located near the modern train station and is easily accessible on foot since it sits directly on a main road. The surroundings offer little shelter from the elements, so dress according to the season when visiting.
Emperor Honorius later had five small openings cut into the structure to let light in, but these were sealed up again afterward. Pope Pius IX removed these modifications and restored the original appearance.
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