Description
Porta Romana is the stone triumphal arch in the middle of Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro, in Milan, where Corso di Porta Romana ends. It is the grandest gate of the Spanish bastions, the 16th-century walls that have now almost entirely disappeared, on the road that led to Rome.
The arch, about 15 meters tall, has three openings and heavy rusticated stone blocks that imitate the arches of the Roman emperors, with friezes and sculptures fit for a Baroque celebration.
It was built at the end of the 16th century for the entry into the city of Margaret of Austria, the bride-to-be of Philip III of Spain, and the design is attributed to Pellegrino Tibaldi. For two centuries it was Milan's only monumental entrance.
According to tradition, Philip III wanted the walls shaped like a heart as a wedding gift, with the tip pointing toward this gate. Napoleon Bonaparte entered Milan through here on May 15, 1796.
The arch, about 15 meters tall, has three openings and heavy rusticated stone blocks that imitate the arches of the Roman emperors, with friezes and sculptures fit for a Baroque celebration.
It was built at the end of the 16th century for the entry into the city of Margaret of Austria, the bride-to-be of Philip III of Spain, and the design is attributed to Pellegrino Tibaldi. For two centuries it was Milan's only monumental entrance.
According to tradition, Philip III wanted the walls shaped like a heart as a wedding gift, with the tip pointing toward this gate. Napoleon Bonaparte entered Milan through here on May 15, 1796.