Porta del Parlascio, Medieval city gate in Pisa, Italy

Porta del Parlascio is an opening in Pisa's medieval city wall that provides entry to the historic center. It displays solid stonework and remains part of the defensive ring that once encircled the entire city.

Porta del Parlascio already existed in the early medieval walls and perhaps in Roman times; its name derives from a corruption of the Latin perilasium, meaning amphitheatre. The present gate was built in 1157 according to the Pisan calendar, in the fourth and fifth phases of the city walls, with a six-metre-wide arch. After the Florentine occupation it was repeatedly reduced and a counter-gate was built to a design by Filippo Brunelleschi. In 1543 it was closed by a pentagonal bastion built by Giovanni D'Alessio d'Antonio, known as Nanni Unghero, and Porta a Lucca was opened nearby.

The gate structure demonstrates the architectural principles of medieval Italian defensive engineering, with its design reflecting local building traditions of Tuscany.

The gate sits along Pisa's restored city walls, which you can explore on foot at your own pace. Wear sturdy shoes since the route follows old stone surfaces.

The name Parlascio likely comes from a corruption of the Latin perilasium, meaning amphitheatre, suggesting one stood in this area. The gate was one of only two decorated gates in the wall circuit, together with the Porta Aurea. Its arch spans six metres, and its height matches the walls themselves.