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St Paul’s Gate / Ostian Gate

St. Paul’s Gate, also known as Porta San Paolo, is a significant gate in Rome’s Aurelian Walls. It marks the beginning of the Via Ostiense, a major road that connected Rome to Ostia. The gate is also a symbolic site of the Italian resistance against the German occupation of Rome in 1943. 

Significance
  • History:  The gate was originally called Porta Ostiensis and was built in the 4th century CE. It was restored by emperors Maxentius and Honorius. 
  • Resistance:  In 1943, the 21st Grenadiers Infantry Division of Sardinia fought against the German army at the gate. 
  • Museum:  The gatehouse contains the Museum of the Via Ostiense, which has exhibits about the ancient road. 
Location 
  • St. Paul’s Gate is located in the Ostiense quarter of Rome.
  • It’s next to the Roman Pyramid of Cestius and beyond the Protestant Cemetery.
Other facts
  • The gate is considered one of the best-preserved city gates in the Aurelian Walls. 
  • The gate has two cylindrical towers and two entrances.