St Paul’s Gate, or Porta San Paolo, is a southern gate in Rome’s Aurelian Walls, on Piazzale Ostiense beside the Pyramid of Cestius. Its brick fortifications include two cylindrical towers, and the gatehouse contains the small Via Ostiense Museum, with artifacts from the area. You can climb to the top for a view of the pyramid across the street. Entry is free, so it makes a convenient stop before exploring the Ostiense neighborhood and its murals.
A gate on the road to Ostia
Porta San Paolo stands on the route of the ancient Via Ostiense, which connected Rome with the port of Ostia. The gate was part of the Aurelian Walls, Rome’s defensive circuit. Its position beside the Pyramid of Cestius brings two very different ancient monuments into view in the same square.
The gate’s appearance changed over time. Its defenses included two semicircular towers and an inner fortified courtyard. In the early Middle Ages, it became known as Porta San Paolo. Pilgrims leaving Rome through the gate used the road toward the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.
The gate and Rome’s 1943 resistance
Porta San Paolo also has a place in modern Italian history. On 10 September 1943, Italian soldiers and civilian volunteers fought in the square beside the gate in an attempt to stop German forces entering Rome after the armistice.
The Via Ostiense Museum is housed within the gatehouse. Beyond the gate, the Ostiense neighborhood has murals to look for as you continue your walk.
Perguntas frequentes
Is St Paul’s Gate free to visit?
Yes. Access to the gate is free.
What is inside St Paul’s Gate?
The gatehouse contains the Via Ostiense Museum, a small museum with artifacts.
Can you see the Pyramid of Cestius from St Paul’s Gate?
Yes. From the top of the gate, you can look across the street toward the pyramid.
How long do you need at St Paul’s Gate?
The available information does not specify a typical visit length.
