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Monument · Lecce, Apúlia
Porta Napoli
Triumphal arch from 1548 erected in honor of Emperor Charles V, at the northern entrance to the historic center of Lecce, facing a 19th-century obelisk.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Porta Napoli
Porta Napoli was built in 1548 on the site of the old San Giusto gate as a tribute to Carlos V, who ordered the city's defenses to be strengthened. The name comes from the road that led from there to Nápoles, the capital of the kingdom to which Lecce belonged.
The arch has a single passage, flanked by pairs of Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment with the imperial coat of arms of the Habsburgs. Sculpted cannons and armor recall the Roman triumphal arches. The Latin inscription honors the emperor and the governor Ferrante Loffredo for defending the Salento against Turkish attacks.
The design is attributed to military architect Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya, the same who designed the castle. The walls that once flanked the gate were torn down in the 19th century, and today the arch stands alone in a small square, facing the obelisk erected for Fernando I das Duas Sicílias.
From the gate starts the Via Palmieri, a street of palaces that leads straight to the Piazza del Duomo. Besides Porta Napoli, Lecce preserves two other old gates: Porta Rudiae to the west and Porta San Biagio to the south.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes.
Best time
Late in the afternoon, when the light makes the stone look more golden, or at night with the lighting.
How to get there
It is located in the Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo, at the northern tip of the historic center, about a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo via the Via Palmieri.
Tip
Pair it with a walk along the Via Palmieri and, if you want to see all three gates, continue on to Porta Rudiae and Porta San Biagio afterwards—all within walking distance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Porta Napoli
Why is it called Porta Napoli?
Because the road to Naples departed from there; Naples was then the capital of the kingdom to which Lecce belonged.
Who built it?
It was erected in 1548 by the city in honour of Charles V; the design is attributed to Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya.
How many ancient gates does Lecce have?
Three preserved: Porta Napoli, Porta Rudiae and Porta San Biagio.