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Italy
Apulia
Brindisi

Porta Napoli (Porta Mesagne) – Gateway to the Appian Way

Discover
Places to see
Italy
Apulia
Brindisi

Porta Napoli (Porta Mesagne) – Gateway to the Appian Way

Highlight • Monument

Porta Napoli (Porta Mesagne) – Gateway to the Appian Way

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    Location: Brindisi, Apulia, Italy

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    Best Hikes to Porta Napoli (Porta Mesagne) – Gateway to the Appian Way

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    Tips

    June 28, 2025

    (1/3) Porta Napoll, also known as Porta Mesagne, is the widest entrance gate to the city. It was built on the foundations of the wall erected in Roman times by Mark Antony with the aim of isolating the city from the land. In 1243, loyal to Octavian, Emperor Frederick I of Swabia planned to expand the urban area of Brindisi and incorporate it into the new city walls. He also wanted to build a triumphal gate as the main access to the city center. The gate dates back to the time of the nearby Aragonese castle.

    The Ruga Magistra (Main Street) originated here and coincided with today's Via Carmine and Via Filomeno Consiglio, a straight path leading to the harbor. The supports for the beams are still present in the pointed arch opening, which probably supported a wooden roof, as well as in the hinges of the doors.

    Translated by Google •

      June 28, 2025

      (2/3) Upon closer inspection, one can still see remnants of medieval frescoes in the upper part, presumably depicting saints.

      Over the course of the century, neglect and water ingress had caused extensive damage to the monument, and in 1923, its demolition was called for. The strong storm on the night of October 26-27, 1925, caused the pediment of the gateway arch to collapse, prompting Mayor Serafino Giannelli to sign the demolition order after the technical report by the municipal chief engineer, Telesforo Tachioni.

      However, this decision was clearly rejected by the president of the Provincial Monuments Commission, priest Don Pasquale Camassa, known as Papa Pascalinu.

      Translated by Google •

        June 28, 2025

        (3/3) After sending letters and telegrams to ministries and offices responsible for the protection of historical monuments to definitively halt the demolition of the monument, Papa Pascalinu positioned himself beneath the gate and forced the workers, who were already standing ready with pickaxes, to leave. After a more detailed examination of the problem, the superintendence was commissioned by the ministry to develop a conservation project for the Porta Napeli, which was ultimately saved.

        During the restoration work, the smaller arch was opened to allow pedestrians to pass through.

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 10 m

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          Monday 22 December

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          13°C

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          Location: Brindisi, Apulia, Italy

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