Porta Vescovo

Porta Vescovo, whose name derives from the gabelle that was once collected in the name of the bishop, is the perfect combination of military security requirements and precise aesthetic standards.

Erected in 1520 to replace the ancient medieval gate under the direction of Commander Teodoro Trivulzio, it appears as a square body harmonized by white marble facade decorations in imitation of the Roman triumphal arch. It was remodeled with the suggestions of the architect Michele Sanmicheli.

Between 1840 and 1863 the guardhouse, the dust warehouse and the driveway and pedestrian walkways were added to Anton Naredi-Rainer's design.

The two sides of the building have different characteristics: the one to the east is of Renaissance style, while the one towards the city has a facade in terracotta and tuff as well as polygonal turrets characteristic of the style that was imposing itself from Vienna in those years.

Since 1920 there have been two breaches: the first one was made thanks to a double archway, the other was opened about thirty years later, on the side towards the Rondella of Santa Toscana.