Porta Maggiore, Medieval city gate in Bologna, Italy
Porta Maggiore is a medieval gate on the eastern side of Bologna featuring two consecutive pointed brick arches that once formed part of the city's defensive walls. The structure links Strada Maggiore with Via Mazzini and remains a functioning passageway for both pedestrians and traffic.
The gate dates to the 13th century and underwent major changes around 1507 under Pope Julius II. Later repairs in 1770 by Giovanni Giacomo Dotti gave the structure much of its current appearance.
The gate marks where the old city and outer districts meet, with locals using it daily as a passage between different parts of town. The brick structure shapes how people experience the city's layout and shows how medieval features still influence everyday movement.
The gate sits at the intersection with Viale di Circonvallazione and is freely accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles at any time. There are no special restrictions, so you can walk or drive through without limitations.
A public protest in 1903 stopped the complete demolition of the gate and led to conservation work directed by Alfonso Rubbiani. This moment shows how ordinary people fought to preserve a piece of the city's past.
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