Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Italy Naples Porta Nolana

Porta Nolana

This medieval city gate is now a blend of the past and the modern world.

Naples, Italy

Added By
StepYoshi
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Porta Nolana, outer side.   Ken Mayer
Porta Nolana, inner side.   Andrècruz23
The buildings over the southern bastion.   Lhoon from Flickr
  Bobby Garnero / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Porta Nolana is one of the few remaining medieval city gates of Naples. The massive structure was constructed during the 15th century to replace an older gate in the Forcella district, Porta del Cannavaro, to further support the city's growth. Its name derives from the road that began in the city and led to the city of Nola.

The gate itself is a rounded arch and once contained frescoes that have long since faded. Porta Nolana retains its two large flanking bastions that are largely composed of Piperno rock. They are known as the Torre della Fede (Tower of Faith) to the south, and the Torre della Speranza (Tower of Hope) to the north. Decorations along the towers include a relief of Ferrante I the King of Naples, a bust of San Cajetan, and coats-of-arms. 

Over the centuries, the city expanded way beyond the city walls and the former gate of Porta Nolana was slowly engulfed by more modern structures. Now, they almost cover the entire gate. But unlike other city gates in Naples that were either left standing as monuments or were almost demolished, Porta Nolana offers the unique sight of modern houses constructed atop medieval bastions.

Today, the area is usually crowded, as a pedestrian market well known for its seafood takes place in front of the old gate. The nearby train station of Napoli Porta Nolana marks the start of the Circumvesuviana line.

Related Tags

Medieval Architecture Gate Design
Atlas Obscura Adventures

Flavors of Italy: Roman Carbonara, Florentine Steak & Venetian Cocktails

Savor local cuisine across Rome, Florence & Venice.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

StepYoshi

Edited By

Bobby Garnero

  • Bobby Garnero

Published

May 5, 2020

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porta_Nolana
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porta_Nolana,_Naples
Porta Nolana
8 Piazza Nolana
Naples, 80142
Italy
40.85038, 14.267985
Get Directions

Nearby Places

San Gennaro Mural

Naples, Italy

miles away

Via dei Presepi

Naples, Italy

miles away

Fountain of the Spinacorona

Naples, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Naples

Naples

Italy

Places 28
Stories 5

Nearby Places

San Gennaro Mural

Naples, Italy

miles away

Via dei Presepi

Naples, Italy

miles away

Fountain of the Spinacorona

Naples, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Naples

Naples

Italy

Places 28
Stories 5

Related Places

  • Dublin, Ireland

    The Dragon Gates

    Fantastic stainless steel dragon gates complete with mesh wings.

  • Looking up from the bottom of the hill.

    Minot, North Dakota

    Gol Stave Church Museum

    This museum is a full-size replica of an original church constructed during the 13th-century.

  • Deganwy Castle

    Deganwy, Wales

    Deganwy Castle

    This ancient castle has been abandoned since the Edwardian conquest of Wales.

  • The vaulted wooden ceiling.

    Bamburgh, England

    Teak Ceiling at Bamburgh Castle

    The medieval-looking hammer beam teak roof may be a Victorian vanity, but it's still absolutely magnificent.

  • Kirkkasik Bedesten inside

    Tarsus, Turkey

    Kirkkasik Bedesten

    This 16th-century covered market is still open everyday.

  • Jaraba, Spain

    Santuario de la Virgen de Jaraba

    A medieval shrine set into a towering canyon wall.

  • Mumbai, India

    Flora Fountain

    An iconic fountain dedicated to the Roman goddess Flora stands in the heart of Mumbai.

  • The Carillon tower.

    Quezon City, Philippines

    UP Carillon Tower’s Original Bells

    Student protesters used these bells as symbols of defiance in the early 1970s.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.