Arch of Trajan, Triumphal arch at port entrance, Ancona, Italy.
The Arch of Trajan is a Roman triumphal gateway at Ancona's port entrance, rising approximately 18.5 meters high with two pairs of Corinthian columns flanking a central passage of about 3 meters wide. The marble structure combines monumental design with practical function along the waterfront.
The Roman Senate commissioned this structure in 115 AD to honor Emperor Trajan's improvements to Ancona's port and fortifications. Its construction occurred during a period when Rome was strengthening its maritime presence and control along the Adriatic coast.
The monument carries inscriptions that once held bronze letters and spaces for statues of Emperor Trajan, his family, and sea deities. These figures served as visible signs of Roman power and protection over the coastal community and its harbors.
The monument stands at Ancona's port entrance and marks the boundary between the historic arsenal and modern maritime facilities. Visitors can easily reach it by heading to the harbor and exploring the waterfront area, where the structure remains visible amid the port's daily activity.
Architect Apollodorus of Damascus designed this arch deliberately taller than other similar structures so it served as a navigation landmark for ships entering the harbor. This dual function as both monument and practical navigation aid makes it distinctive among Roman triumphal gateways.
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