Porta dei Borghi, Medieval city gate in Lucca, Italy
Porta dei Borghi is a medieval gate featuring two gray sandstone towers decorated with white limestone and a central opening. The passage is spanned by a round arch that dominates the structure.
The gate was built between 1198 and 1265 and represents one of the four original gateways from the city's 13th-century walls. It marks a critical period in the fortification of Lucca.
The gate displays a restored fresco of Madonna with Child in a lunette, showing how religious imagery was integrated into civic structures. This image served as a meaningful sign for merchants and travelers entering the city.
The gate sits at the northern end of Via Fillungo and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Its location makes it simple to visit alongside other medieval structures in the area.
The towers and upper section now function as private residences, blending historical stonework with contemporary living. This arrangement shows how medieval structures remain active parts of city life today.
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