Porta del Leone, Medieval city gate in Pisa, Italy
Porta del Leone is a medieval city gate in Pisa featuring a rounded arch and thick stone walls that rise prominently. The structure combines Roman masonry techniques with local stone materials and forms part of the original city fortification system.
The gate was built in 1154 as part of Pisa's defensive wall construction under Consul Cocco Griffi's direction, following a visit by Frederick Barbarossa. It represented a key phase in the city's medieval fortification development.
The name comes from the lion statue that once crowned the gate, serving as a symbol of Pisa's power and independence. After Florence took control in 1406, the statue was repositioned, marking a shift in the city's political fortunes.
The gate is easily accessible and stands near the historic Jewish Cemetery of Pisa, making it a convenient starting point for walking tours of the medieval city. Visitors can examine the structure from various angles and combine it with nearby historical sites.
The gate reaches approximately 11 meters in height and is built with a careful blend of tuff and limestone materials typical of medieval construction. This material combination gives the structure durability and a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other local buildings.
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