Porta Latina Arch

Address: Porta Latina, via Latina, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Admission: Free (outdoor ancient gate in Rome)

An ancient gate in Rome’s Aurelian Walls, located where the Via Latina approached the city; the walls enclosing Rome date to the late 3rd century AD.

Erected as part of the Aurelian defensive circuit in the late 3rd century, the gate and its adjacent walls were repaired and modified in later Roman, medieval and post-medieval periods. Over the centuries the structure served as a controlled city entrance and as part of Rome’s defensive system.

Sited on the southern side of the ancient city where the Via Latina entered Rome; it is within the modern city and visitable from central Rome.

• Aurelian Walls: Part of Rome’s Aurelian Walls, which were built in the late 3rd century AD to defend the expanded imperial city.

Porta Latina is adjacent to Via Latina and a short walk from San Giovanni station (Metro line A). It’s also easily reached on foot from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (about 15-20 minutes).

• Visit Porta Latina as part of a walk along the Aurelian Walls and the cemetery of San Giovanni; the nearby brickwork shows restoration layers.
• Look for graffiti and votive candles in niches - traces of later life layered onto ancient stone.