Porta Leoni
Ancient Roman gate and ruins, a free 24/7 accessible glimpse into Verona's Roman past, leading to Piazza Erbe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical ambiance for photos
Porta Leoni
Best Time
Magical ambiance for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Roman gate and ruins, a free 24/7 accessible glimpse into Verona's Roman past, leading to Piazza Erbe.
"A lovely tidbit of Roman history, gorgeously illuminated in the evening."
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit around 9:30 PM for perfect lighting and fewer people, ideal for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Enjoy 24-hour access to the exterior of Porta Leoni and the adjacent ruins; no entry fee required.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Double Facade
Porta Leoni Entrance
Marvel at the impressive double facade of this ancient Roman city gate, a testament to its grand past.
Underground Roman Ruins
Adjacent to the Gate
Discover a glimpse of the past with visible foundations of the larger Roman gateway and underground structures.
Gateway to the Forum
Connecting to Piazza Erbe
See where the ancient road once led directly to the Roman Forum, now the vibrant Piazza Erbe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Gate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit around 9:30 PM for perfect lighting and fewer people, ideal for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Enjoy 24-hour access to the exterior of Porta Leoni and the adjacent ruins; no entry fee required.
🥤 Nearby Refreshments
Grab a delicious and affordable smoothie from a nearby vendor for a quick refreshment.
🏛️ Connect to History
Understand its significance by walking the path to Piazza Erbe, the former Roman Forum.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Evening Photo Ops
Visit around 9:30 PM for perfect lighting and fewer people, ideal for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Enjoy 24-hour access to the exterior of Porta Leoni and the adjacent ruins; no entry fee required.
🥤 Nearby Refreshments
Grab a delicious and affordable smoothie from a nearby vendor for a quick refreshment.
🏛️ Connect to History
Understand its significance by walking the path to Piazza Erbe, the former Roman Forum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porta Leoni is appreciated as a well-preserved Roman gateway offering a free glimpse into Verona's ancient past. Visitors enjoy its historical significance and the atmospheric evening views, though some note it's a smaller site compared to other Roman attractions in the city.
"The 2,000 year old remains of one the two city entrance gates to Roman Verona. Alongside the remaining archway are the foundations of the larger Roman gateway. The road from the gateway still leads directly to the original Roman Forum, now named Piazza Erbe. View from the pavement, no entry charges, 24 hour access."
A I
"Porta Leoni is an old Roman structure that's been preserved. It's pretty much just a wall standing at a corner. Nearby is also an open area on the ground that'll give you a glimpse of the old structures that are now underground as the modern city was built on top."
Richard A Francisco
"I think this is one of the nicest gates in the city. I liked to see the ruins next to the gate, very nicely arranged for tourists and for viewing! My recommendation, if you want nice pictures, come here in the evening. We came at around 9:30 pm and it was perfect."
Ana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta Leoni is centrally located in Verona, easily accessible on foot from most tourist accommodations. It's situated near Piazza Erbe, the former Roman Forum. You can also reach it via local buses that stop in the city center.
Yes, Porta Leoni is quite easy to find as it's a prominent historical landmark in the heart of Verona, close to the bustling Piazza Erbe.
Walking is the most enjoyable way to explore Verona's historic center, including Porta Leoni. For longer distances, local buses are available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the exterior of Porta Leoni and the visible ruins are accessible 24 hours a day and do not require an entry fee.
Porta Leoni is an open-air historical site and is accessible at any time, day or night.
Porta Leoni is an ancient Roman gate structure. While you can view its impressive facade and the adjacent ruins, you cannot enter the gate itself.
The visible Roman ruins and the gateway itself are part of the public space and are free to view.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can see the well-preserved double facade of the ancient Roman city gate, along with the foundations of the larger Roman gateway and glimpses of underground structures.
For history enthusiasts and those interested in Roman architecture, Porta Leoni offers a fascinating glimpse into Verona's past. It's a nice tidbit of Roman history, especially when compared to the Arena.
Porta Leoni was one of the two main entrance gates to Roman Verona, built during the Roman Republic. The road from it led directly to the Roman Forum.
Absolutely! Porta Leoni is a great spot for photography, especially in the evening when the lighting is magical.
Porta Leoni is located near Piazza Erbe, the former Roman Forum, which is a vibrant square filled with markets, cafes, and historical buildings.
🍽️ 🥤 Food & Dining
Yes, Porta Leoni is very close to Piazza Erbe, which is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of Italian cuisine.
You can find traditional Veronese dishes, pasta, pizza, gelato, and more in the many eateries around Piazza Erbe.
While Piazza Erbe can be touristy, you can find good value, especially for quick bites like smoothies, which are noted as being good and affordable.
📸 📸 Photography
The evening, around 9:30 PM, is highly recommended for photography due to the beautiful lighting and fewer crowds, creating a perfect atmosphere.
Experiment with angles that capture the double facade and its connection to the ancient road leading to Piazza Erbe. The adjacent ruins also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
The area around the gate itself, showcasing the Roman architecture, and the path leading towards Piazza Erbe are excellent for capturing the historical essence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a visit to Porta Leoni with a walk through the adjacent Piazza Erbe provides a more dynamic experience for children. The lively atmosphere of the piazza, with its market stalls and street performers, offers entertainment, while the historical context of the gate and forum can be explained in simple terms. It's a good way to introduce young travelers to ancient history in a relaxed, accessible setting.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your free visit to Porta Leoni with exploring the equally free Piazza Erbe. For affordable sustenance, look for local bakeries or small cafes away from the main tourist drag, or enjoy a budget-friendly smoothie from a nearby vendor as recommended by visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Porta Leoni: A Glimpse into Roman Verona
The modern city of Verona has been built upon its Roman foundations, meaning much of the ancient city lies beneath the current streets. Porta Leoni provides a unique opportunity to see these layers of history. Adjacent to the gate, an open area reveals glimpses of underground structures and the preserved foundations, allowing visitors to visualize the scale of the original Roman gateway. This juxtaposition of ancient ruins with the bustling modern city is a hallmark of Verona's historical landscape.
While not as grand as the Arena di Verona, Porta Leoni is a valuable historical site that enriches the understanding of the city's Roman heritage. Its accessibility and the visual evidence of its past make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Roman history and architecture. The site is particularly captivating in the evening, offering a more serene and atmospheric experience for exploration and photography.
Connecting with Verona's Roman Forum
Today, the Roman Forum has evolved into the lively Piazza Erbe. This transformation showcases Verona's continuous history, where ancient foundations now support a vibrant modern piazza. Exploring Piazza Erbe after visiting Porta Leoni allows you to walk the same paths as ancient Romans, surrounded by historical buildings, a beautiful fountain, and a lively market. It’s a perfect way to experience the layered history of Verona, from its Roman roots to its Renaissance and modern-day charm.
When visiting Porta Leoni, make it a point to then wander into Piazza Erbe. Observe the architecture, imagine the ancient forum, and soak in the atmosphere. This combined experience provides a more comprehensive understanding of Verona's Roman heritage and its evolution over centuries. It’s a journey through time, starting at the gate and ending in the heart of the ancient city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit