A continuation of the Bastioni di Porta Venezia (old city doors of Porta Venezia), Porta Nuova (New City Gate) was built between 1811 and 1813 along an antique Roman road that connected the city with Brianza. Its position was a commercially important one as it was close to the canal the Naviglio della Martesana that existed at the time. The construction was part of an urban reorganization that was undertaken in the area around the bastioni or old city doors. The city doors had by this time ceased to fulfil their original purpose as a military defence structure and this favoured the urban development to the north of the city.The city doors were comprised of a triumphant arch that was constructed in blocks of yellow sandstone decorated with bas-relief and reflected the Ionic style. The arch is flanked by two porticoed caselli (toll gates) which are also in sandstone and are positioned symmetrically on each side. The original ornate decorations have now disappeared or are only barely visible due to the friable sandstone being exposed to the elements over time.
Zanoia, abbot, professor of architecture and secretary of the Accademia di Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) in Brera, was highly criticized by his contemporaries for the clash in styles between the arch and the two flanking buildings. On the other hand, there was appreciation for the figure of “Victory” by Camillo Pacetti in the façade facing the city centre and the representation of “Notoriety” by Luigi Acquisti, on the other side.