Porta Romana (Roman Gate), Florence

Roman Gate (Porta Romana) is a historic gate in Florence, originally known as Porta San Pier Gattolino. It was the southern entrance in the city's 13th-century walls and is located at the intersection of Via Romana, Via de' Serragli, and Viale Francesco Petrarca. The gate provided easy access to the Pitti Palace and served as a starting point for roads leading to Siena and Rome. Despite the demolition of most defensive walls in the 19th century, Porta Romana, along with a few other gates, survived.

Built in 1327, the Roman Gate had a lower outer wall and a small courtyard, resembling the Porta Romana of Siena. The gate featured a central entrance for carriages and smaller doors for pedestrians. It still retains its original iron-clad doors and showcases a weather-worn fresco from the 13th century depicting the Virgin and saints. Inside, two marble plaques commemorate the visits of Pope Leo X and Emperor Charles V.

During the expansion of Florence's walls, the original church of San Pier Gattolino was demolished. It was later rebuilt and restored in 1808, adorned with frescoes by Giuseppe Castagnoli and Domenico Del Podestà. The church is also known as the parish church of Serumido, named after Ser Umido di Domenico Grazzini, a benefactor. Adjacent to Roman Gate is the church and convent of San Giusto della Calza, a 14th-century structure associated with the Knights of Jerusalem.

In the square outside the gate, a controversial modern marble statue named "Dietro-Front" ("Turnabout") by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto has sparked discussions among art enthusiasts and the public.