Porta Borsari - a black and white cat sitting on top of a wooden fence
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Porta Borsari

4.6
·6k reviews·Verona, Italy

Step through Verona's 1st-century Roman gateway, a monumental entrance to the ancient city, still standing proudly today.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
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Porta Borsari - a black and white cat sitting on top of a wooden fence

Porta Borsari

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step through Verona's 1st-century Roman gateway, a monumental entrance to the ancient city, still standing proudly today.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"A beautiful wonder of the city. A feeling of reverberation in the heart to walk through it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of this ancient Roman gateway. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Walk through the archway to feel the historical significance and imagine ancient Roman life. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Archway

The Grand Archway

Via Giuseppe Mazzini

Step through this impressive 1st-century Roman gate, a testament to ancient engineering and a grand entrance to Verona's historic heart.

Roman Forum Connection

Roman Forum Connection

Via Giuseppe Mazzini

Walk the path that once led to the Roman Forum, now Piazza Erbe, and feel the echoes of history beneath your feet.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Porta Borsari is an open-air landmark, so it's accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours offers the best views and photo opportunities. Consider early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday sun and potential crowds from nearby attractions.

Location & Access

As the main entrance to the ancient city, Porta Borsari is centrally located and easily walkable from other Verona attractions like Piazza Bra. It's an open-air monument, meaning no tickets are required, and it's always accessible.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Attrazioni non famosissime di Verona, che valgono la pena visitare! Ecco dove trovarli: 💍 Gioielleria Borsari: Vicolo S. G. In Foro 1A 🐳 Arco della Costa: Piazza delle Erbe 20 👄 Bocca delle Denunce: Palazzo della Ragione 👕 Negozio Benetton: Via Giuseppe Mazzini 41 #verona #cosavedereaverona #postiinsoliti #traveler #travelcouple #coupletravel #Love #italy #travelerinitaly
@viaggioconspicci
2.3K likes • 97.8K views

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of this ancient Roman gateway. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Walk through the archway to feel the historical significance and imagine ancient Roman life. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Best of Verona in 24 hours?

reddit.com

Porta Borsari restoration

☕ Coffee Break Nearby

Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes close to Porta Borsari for a relaxing break. :coffee:

reddit.com

Advice for Verona

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of this ancient Roman gateway. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Walk through the archway to feel the historical significance and imagine ancient Roman life. :athletic_shoe:

☕ Coffee Break Nearby

Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes close to Porta Borsari for a relaxing break. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Porta Borsari as a beautiful and well-preserved piece of Roman history, offering a tangible connection to Verona's ancient past. Its central location and free access make it a convenient and impressive landmark to experience.

"A beautiful wonder of the city. A feeling of reverberation in the heart to walk through it!"

Tina Zorzi

"What a great ancient gate dates to the first century , the amazing thing the gate still in a good condition 📜😍"

Abdullah Alkhorayef

"Lovely piece of Roman ancient architecture now almost perfectly blended in the city landscape."

Bogdan Ionescu

What People Like

Ancient Roman architecture
Well-preserved condition
Central location

What People Dislike

Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Porta Borsari is centrally located in Verona, making it easily accessible on foot from Piazza Bra and other major attractions. It's situated on Via Giuseppe Mazzini, a main pedestrian street. You can also reach it via local buses that stop nearby. Reddit

Yes, Porta Borsari is very easy to find as it's a prominent landmark on one of Verona's main shopping streets, Via Giuseppe Mazzini, leading towards Piazza Erbe. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Porta Borsari is an open-air monument and is freely accessible to the public 24 hours a day. There are no admission charges. Reddit

Porta Borsari is always open as it's an outdoor historical site. You can visit it at any time of day or night. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Porta Borsari is a well-preserved 1st-century Roman gate. You can admire its ancient limestone structure, walk through its arches, and imagine its historical role as the main entrance to the city. Reddit

Absolutely! You can walk through the main arches of Porta Borsari, experiencing the same path that ancient Romans did when entering the city. TikTok

Yes, Porta Borsari is a beautiful piece of Roman history and a significant landmark in Verona. It offers a glimpse into the city's ancient past and is a great photo opportunity. Reddit

Dating back to the 1st century AD, Porta Borsari was the main monumental entrance to the Roman city of Verona, known then as 'Colonia Augusta Verona'. It was part of the city's defensive walls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For the best photographic light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light beautifully illuminates the ancient stone. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions for personal photography at Porta Borsari, as it's an open public space. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Porta Borsari is a great, quick stop for families. It's an open-air landmark, so kids can run around and explore without any restrictions. The sheer size of the ancient gate can spark their imagination about Roman times. It's also conveniently located on a pedestrian street, making it safe and easy to navigate with little ones. TikTok

Consider making it a brief stop on your way to Piazza Erbe, where there are more open spaces and often street performers that can capture children's attention. The historical aspect is a gentle introduction to Verona's past without being overwhelming for younger visitors.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Porta Borsari offers a direct connection to Verona's Roman origins. Its accessibility and lack of crowds (especially during off-peak hours) allow for quiet contemplation and detailed observation of the ancient architecture. Reddit

Take your time to walk through the arches, read any available informational plaques, and imagine the city as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Its location on Via Giuseppe Mazzini also makes it a perfect starting point for a self-guided walking tour of Verona's historic center.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Roman Verona

Porta Borsari stands as a remarkable testament to Verona's Roman heritage. Constructed in the 1st century AD, this imposing arched gateway was once the primary entrance to the ancient city, then known as 'Colonia Augusta Verona'. Its robust limestone structure and dual arches speak volumes about the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire and its strategic importance in defining the city's boundaries. Walking through Porta Borsari today allows visitors to connect directly with this ancient past, imagining the bustling life that once passed through its monumental frame. Reddit

The gate's name, 'Borsari,' is believed to derive from the 'bursarii,' the city's treasury officials who were stationed nearby. This historical context adds another layer to its significance, highlighting its role not just as a physical entrance but also as a point of economic and administrative importance. The fact that it remains in such good condition after nearly two millennia is a testament to its solid construction and the enduring legacy of Roman engineering. Reddit

While the gate itself is the main attraction, its location is also key. It sits at the beginning of Via Giuseppe Mazzini, a vibrant pedestrian street that leads directly to Piazza Erbe, the site of the ancient Roman Forum. This seamless transition from the monumental gate to the lively piazza offers a compelling narrative of Verona's evolution from Roman times to the present day. TikTok

Experiencing Porta Borsari Today

Visiting Porta Borsari is a simple yet profound experience. As an open-air monument, it's accessible at any hour, allowing for spontaneous exploration. Many visitors find the experience particularly moving in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight casts a warm glow on the ancient stones, creating a magical atmosphere. The surrounding area, especially Via Giuseppe Mazzini, is lined with shops and cafes, offering opportunities for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break after soaking in the history. Reddit

Photographers will find Porta Borsari a rewarding subject. The interplay of light and shadow on the weathered limestone, especially during the golden hours, provides excellent opportunities for capturing striking images. The gate's grandeur is best appreciated when you take a moment to stand beneath its arches and look up, contemplating its age and the countless footsteps it has witnessed over the centuries. TikTok

While the gate itself is the primary draw, its proximity to other key Verona landmarks like Piazza Bra and Piazza Erbe makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. It serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the historic center, offering a tangible connection to the city's deep Roman roots before delving into its more famous Renaissance and medieval attractions. Reddit

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