Genoa is a city rich in history and all the beauties to discover, especially if you are passionate about medieval history, one of these is the Porta Soprana of the city which represents the access point to the city for anyone coming from the east. Standing proudly in the heart of Genoa’s old city, the two gate towers are an icon and a must see when visiting this ancient seafaring city. The two towers that frame the access to the Porta Soprana still bear two plaques in Latin commemorating the glories of Genoa.

The history of Porta Soprana

The walls of Genoa were built in the 12th century to defend the independence of the Republic from the expansionist aims of the Emperor Barbarossa, from whom they take their name. The vast majority of the inhabitants of the city part, materially and financially, to the works, which were thus in record time between 1155 and 1159. In 1161 three of the two-towered gates were completed: Porta Soprana, Porta Aurea and Porta di Santa Fede. Porta Soprana served as an entrance to the city, overlooking the plain of Sant’Andrea, which took its name from a monastery demolished in the nineteenth century to create via Dante and the building that currently houses the Bank of Italy.

The walls enclose the three areas of the city: the castrum, which developed on the Castle hill; the civitas, built around the cathedral of S. Lorenzo, and the burgus, around the monastery of S. Siro. The name Porta Soprana derives from the position in which it is located, raised above the city. When the gate lost its predominantly defensive role and the city walls were enlarged, starting from the fourteenth century, the gate was absorbed by the building development, leading to the construction of the Ponticello district.

The nineteenth century also saw both towers of Porta Soprana as well as the monastery of Sant’Andrea, transformed into a prison where prisoners and jailers lived in the same room.

The restructuring of the towers

Around 1890 the gates, whose battlements had already vanished from the ramparts, were restored by the architect Alfredo d’Andrade, head of the Directorate of Fine Arts. Under his direction, the north tower of Porta Soprana and the arch were also restored. facing the central nave. The capitals of the columns have been integrated with Romanesque sculptures representing eagles. The South Tower, which was located within the confines of the house up to Trenta, was restored after the years under the leadership of Orlando Grosso. After decades passed as an element incorporated in the network of buildings leaning against the city walls, today Porta Soprana is finally free from the oppression of the old houses.

Passing under the arch of Porta Soprana you can see inscriptions in Latin which, on the one hand, celebrate the people who were involved in the construction of this gate, and on the other, praise the power of the city of Genoa defended by its imposing walls. .

Visit the door

The best way to appreciate the beauty of Porta Soprana is, without a doubt, to climb the towers of Sant’Andrea from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole city. To visit the gate you need to get a ticket, which can be purchased at the House of Christopher Columbus, near the monument. If there isn’t much to see inside the Columbus house-museum, the combination of the cloister, gate and house is certainly worth a visit. This house was almost razed to the ground, just like others in the same area, during the bombardment of the naval fleet of King Louis XIV of France, in 1684. The house was probably renovated after the bombings and it is probable that some floors to those present in the original building, to reach a total of five floors at the end of the 18th century.

The cost of the full ticket is five euros, while the reduced one costs three euros. The towers are open every day except Mondays, from 11:30 to 17:30 from April to October, while they are open from 11:30 to 18:30 in the summer. If it is not necessary to book the visit, keep in mind that access is not allowed to more than 10 people at a time.

Where is Porta Soprana

Porta Soprana is located near Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari. To reach it you can go through the streets of the center, taking a walk lasting less than five minutes. Eventually there are two metro stops near the Porta Soprana: Sant’Agostino which allows you to reach Porta Soprana in five minutes on foot and De Ferrari, which is located in the square of the same name. If you arrive in Genoa by train, just get off at the Genova Brignole station and follow the road for less than fifteen minutes, passing through streets in the center such as via XX Settembre and via San Vincenzo.