Porta all'Arco
Porta all'Arco is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided San Gimignano & Volterra audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~15 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~15 min
- San Gimignano & Volterra San Gimignano & Volterra guide
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About Porta all'Arco
The Porta all'Arco in Volterra, a city gate whose stone jambs date from Etruscan times, crowned by an arch with three weathered stone heads, saved by the people of the town in 1944.
The great blocks of the jambs, laid without mortar, date from about the fourth century BC; the arch and the three heads are somewhat later. Who the heads show is not known: perhaps gods, perhaps guardians. In June 1944 the townspeople filled the gate with paving stones overnight to save it from being blown up.
The gate is on a public street and can be seen at any time, free. It is a short walk downhill from Piazza dei Priori. Look for the plaque and the relief of 1944 beside the gate.
Did you know? The stone jambs of the Porta all'Arco in Volterra date from about the fourth century BC, while its arch and three carved heads are somewhat later.
How long should you spend at Porta all'Arco?
Plan about ~15 min at Porta all'Arco. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Porta all'Arco worth visiting?
Porta all'Arco is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in San Gimignano & Volterra, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in San Gimignano & Volterra
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Porta all'Arco and read more:
San Gimignano & Volterra guide →
Day 2 of the San Gimignano & Volterra in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Porta all'Arco
Preview the San Gimignano & Volterra tour free in the Gingerguide app.