Porta Saragozza

Porta Saragozza was one of 12 gates in Bologna’s outer medieval wall known as “The Circla.” The gate was built in the 13-14th centuries with a drawbridge over the moat to help secure the city from external attacks.

This entrance to the city became popular after the Portico di San Luca was built and used in the yearly procession of the Madonna and Child icon to city center. At that point, the Saragozza Gate became known as the Porta Sacra or Porta dei Pellegrini (Gate of Pilgrims). Today, inside you can find the Museum of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca which preserves the link between the two.

In 1859, the gate was remodeled by architect Giuseppe Mengoli who connected the main arch to the towers with another set of pedestrian arches, giving it a castle-like look.

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