Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova is a historic city gate in Palermo, marking the western pedestrian entrance to the old centre. It stands at the beginning of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, also called Cassaro. Its two façades let you compare a classical triumphal arch facing the city with an exterior shaped by Mannerism. An open loggia rises above the arch on each façade.
Built to celebrate Charles V’s entry into Palermo in 1535, the gate began construction in 1569 under Marcantonio Colonna. A 1669 explosion at a nearby gunpowder depot almost destroyed the structure. Gaspare Guercio rebuilt it, keeping close to the earlier design and producing the structure visible today. The city-facing side presents four carved female busts. They represent peace, justice, truth, and the virtue of abundance.
Outside, large telamons are intended to represent the Moors defeated by Charles V during his campaign in Tunis. A pointed spire crowns the monument with colourful majolica tiles. Those tiles carry Palermo’s emblem, a spread-winged eagle. The site is wheelchair accessible and stands near Arab-Norman monuments, including the Palatine Chapel and Royal Palace.
- City
- Palermo
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