Porta Maggiore of Otricoli

The Main Gate to the Medieval Walls

Porta Maggiore is the main entrance to Otricoli’s medieval historic centre. 

Dominated by an imposing tower and reached through a steep spiral ascent known as “la selciata” (=the cobblestone road) , the gate stands along the ancient Strada Maestra, today Via Vittorio Emanuele, which crosses the town and leads, through the main square, to Porta San Severino.

History and Architecture of Porta Maggiore

The walls of Otricoli are mentioned in a Farfa document dating back to 1091, while Porta Maggiore, in its present form, dates to the late fifteenth century. It is distinguished by its travertine arch, supporting corbels, and the cavity designed for the portcullis. Above the arch, a small projecting structure with machicolations served defensive purposes: from above, projectiles, stones and boiling oil were thrown to repel attackers.

Beyond the gate, on the left, a modern shrine with a statue of Mary introduces a fortified courtyard, also enclosed by walls and accessible through a second gate topped with battlements.

Passing through this second gate, on the right, a doorway leads to the Ancient Medieval Oven and to the tower itself, now open to visitors. A little further ahead rise the two distinctive bastions of Palazzo Erculei (later Ruiz de Cardenas). On the left stands the entrance to the Town Hall, formerly the Palazzo del Priore.

The Two Defensive Towers Along the Via Flaminia

In addition to the cylindrical tower equipped with loopholes for firearms, the fortified system along the walls that once ran parallel to the Via Flaminia includes another tower whose function was to ensure strategic control over the entrance and the road passage.

Urban Trail: Discover Otricoli with Us.

Would you like to explore the points of interest within Otricoli’s walls? Take a few steps further and discover the Town Hall and the historic heart of the village.