Porta San Donato — Attraction in Bologna

Porta San Donato, Bologna’s Tired but Proud Gate

Porta San Donato is one of those places that makes you stop and go, “Wow, this thing has really been through a lot.” It’s an old medieval gate that used to be part of Bologna’s ancient walls. Now it’s just standing there, kind of crumbling, kind of majestic, in the middle of all the student buzz.

To be honest, it looks like it could fall apart any day. Some parts are missing, the bricks are tired, and it wouldn’t hurt to give it a bit of renovation. But that’s also the charm. It has personality. You can feel the history just by walking past it.

Surrounded by cafés, bikes, and students everywhere, it’s this random piece of the past just holding its ground. If you’re in the area, definitely check it out. It won’t take much of your time, but it’s worth a quick stop and a photo.

Just don’t lean...

If you walk along the circular boulevard that surrounds the old city, you will come upon several gates. These were preserved when most of the ancient walls that defended Bologna for centuries were demolished. Porta San Donato is one of the more picturesque gates that you'll...

Porta San Donato also known as Porta Zambori it was built in the 13th century and it had a drawbridge in the 14th century which later it was destroyed. Is one of the 10 remaining Porta's that were gates of the former medieval walls. This one is by the...