Roman and medieval precious remains in Ascoli Piceno: Porta Romana

Porta Romana in Ascoli Piceno is among the top sights that tell Roman and medieval history.

In the western area of ​​Ascoli Piceno, there is Porta Romana, where the three layers of the city’s fortifications are still perfectly visible today. The oldest fortification is made up of square blocks of sandstone and comes from the Picenians. New walls were set above them using the technique of the “opus quasi reticulatum“. On the contrary, the monumental “Porta Gemina” or “Porta Romana” is in the “opus reticulatum” technique made, double (Gemina means, twin) and about six meters high. Rebuilt on the Piceno one, destroyed by Pompeo Strabone in 89 BC, it consists of two large arches supported by three massive pillars. Almost seven meters high and 9.47 meters wide, it allowed access into the city for those who had come from Rome through the Salaria, the consular road connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic.

The grooves inside the archways testify to the remarkable engineering level achieved at that time: their purpose was to slide the shutters that governed access to the city.

In the Middle Ages, a church was built above the door, and it appeared again only after the demolition interventions of the nineteenth century. However, these ancient walls were not enough to stop Frederick II. In 1242, he destroyed the defensive system of Asculum, forcing the city to build new ones.

Today the medieval walls are still clearly visible, made of large blocks of travertine for the first four meters, certainly reuse of the remains of great Roman monuments; the remaining parts are smaller blocks, easier to lift. The medieval walls linked the Fortezza Pia, which rises on the nearby Colle dell’Annunziata to the medieval gate, were demolished in the early 1900s.



CONDIVIDI I TUOI SCATTI CON GLI HASHTAG: #visitascoli #ascolipiceno2024


AUTHOR: Lella Palumbi, expert in art history

Attractions

Attractions, Events and Experiences near me

Ascoli Piceno is a city to discover

Why not start here

Make the best out of Ascoli Piceno

We’ve got plenty of ideas to share with you to make your experience amazing.

HERE ARE OUR TIPS FOR YOU

Where to eat

Did you know Ascoli Piceno has a rich food&wine culture? For all tastes and budgets. Choose from a wide range of proposals, treat your palate and please your senses.

DON'T MISS IT

Where to sleep

Find the perfect accommodation and make your stay in Ascoli Piceno just perfect. Choose the offer that best suits your needs and wishes.

EXPLORE

We’re here to help

We’ll be delighted to help you find the best solutions for your holiday with information, suggestions and precious tips.

CONTACTS US

Quick info

Everything you need to know about general information and services

HERE ARE OUR TIPS FOR YOU

Make the best out of Ascoli Piceno

We’ve got plenty of ideas to share with you to make your experience amazing.

HERE ARE OUR TIPS FOR YOU

Ascoli Piceno seen through curious eyes

#ascolipiceno2024

Copyright © Visit Ascoli – Discover Ascoli Piceno in 2021