Porta a Selci, building in Volterra, Italy
Porta a Selci is a medieval city gate in Volterra featuring a large stone arch with a small niche above where a statue once sat. The gate is part of the old city walls built from matching stone that originally protected the town, while the current structure dates from the 16th century and replaced an older gate called Porta del Sole that lies buried beneath it.
Porta a Selci was built in the 12th century during medieval times to protect Volterra, though the current structure dates to the 16th century. It replaced the older Porta del Sole, which was buried in the 15th century during expansion work on the nearby Rocca Vecchia fortress as the city grew and restructured its defenses.
Porta a Selci is a daily sight for Volterra's residents who walk through the arch or gather nearby. The gate's name recalls the ancient road that farmers and merchants used to reach the city, and this trade route continues to shape how the town relates to the surrounding countryside.
The walk to Porta a Selci is easy and pleasant, being only a short distance from the town center through narrow medieval streets. The area in front of the gate is open and quiet, making it a good spot to pause and enjoy views of the rolling hills beyond.
The niche above the arch once held a small statue placed there long ago to add a fine detail to the gate. This religious or civic decoration was a common practice on medieval structures to offer protection or blessing to those passing through.
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