Arco di Sant'Ercolano: The Etruscan City Gate of Perugia

Arco di Sant'Ercolano: The Etruscan City Gate of Perugia

Source and license: Eliocommons / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized

Explore the ancient gate that once served as one of seven entrances to Perugia's Etruscan walls.

The Arco di Sant’Ercolano in Perugia has a history as layered as its ogival arch. Originally constructed in the second half of the 3rd century BC to form part of Perugia’s Etruscan city walls, it was one of seven gateways to the ancient city.

The structure, formerly known as Porta Cornea, is located on the nearby stairs of Sant'Ercolano. While it was once a full semicircular arch, it was remodeled and the original shape was replaced by the pointed ogival arch seen today.

Today, the Arco di Sant'Ercolano stands as a witness to the evolution of the city. It remains a physical link to the city walls that have defined Perugia since the time of the Etruscans.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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