Porta San Vitale, Medieval city gate in Bologna, Italy

Porta San Vitale is a brick gate of Bologna's third city wall, built in 1286 at the end of Via San Vitale where it becomes Via Giuseppe Massarenti. It stands at the intersection with the viali di circonvallazione and originally had a tower, guard quarters and a drawbridge.

The gate was built in 1286 and originally featured a tower, barracks, and drawbridge serving as a strategic checkpoint on the road to Ravenna. The structure underwent major modifications during the 1950s when defensive elements were removed.

Bolognese speakers call it pôrta ed Stra San Vidèl, after the road to Ravenna that passed through it. The gate stood at the end of today's Via San Vitale, where the street becomes Via Giuseppe Massarenti at the viali di circonvallazione. Its name and position tie it to the city's third circle of walls.

The gate is located at the intersection of Via San Vitale and Viale di Circonvallazione and is easily reached on foot from the old city center. Nearby bus stops provide access to other parts of Bologna, and the surrounding area is pleasant for walking and exploring.

The original gate was surrounded by a moat and a ravelin, defensive structures that provided an extra shield of protection. These fortification features were completely removed during the 1950s, changing the appearance of the site.