Porta San Giovanni

 

The porta San Giovanni is a ancient archway in the Aurealic Wall, which was once the outer city wall surrounding all of Rome. It was built under Pope Gregor XIII., finished in the year 1547 and was named after the Basilica nearby, San Giovanni in Laterano. The builder isn't clearly documented but it was most likely either Giacomo della Porta or Giacomo del Duca. The street is overlooked by a bearded head, the two additional gates for added 1926 to cope with the increasing traffic in Rome.