Porta Pertusa, Historic gate at Viale Vaticano, Rome, Italy
Porta Pertusa is a gate in Rome's Leonine Wall featuring three openings that consist of one central passage flanked by two smaller side entrances. The structure pierces through the wall at the boundary between Rome and Vatican territory, providing a direct passage between the two areas.
The gate was created during the late construction phase of the Leonine Wall after Popes returned from Avignon in the 14th century while the city was expanding. The additional passages became necessary to handle increased foot traffic and movement between the two territories.
This gate served as a daily crossing point between Rome and the papal territories, shaping how people moved between these two distinct areas. It represented a visible boundary where secular and religious authority met in the urban landscape.
The gate is located directly on the boundary line between Rome and Vatican City and can be easily reached on foot from Viale Vaticano. Visitors can explore it while walking around the Vatican area, and it serves as a clear landmark for orientation in this part of the city.
The name 'Pertusa' comes from the Latin word meaning 'drilled' or 'pierced,' referring directly to the technique used to bore through and create this opening in the existing wall. The name essentially describes the construction method that ancient workers employed.
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