Porta Capuana is a Renaissance city gate in Naples, at Piazza San Francesco a Capuana, near Castel Capuano and the church of Santa Caterina a Formiello. Built in 1484 as part of the Aragonese city walls, it has a white-marble arch with carved reliefs between two towers, named Virtue and Honor. The gate was oriented towards Capua; after the city walls were removed, it remained standing on its own. Look closely at the stonework, then take in the nearby castle and church. The surrounding area can be poorly maintained.
A gate from Naples's Aragonese expansion
Porta Capuana was built in 1484 as part of the new city walls commissioned during the Aragonese period. As Naples expanded eastward, the earlier gate was rebuilt and moved. The name refers to its orientation towards Capua.
The gate is not the original entrance to the Roman city's main east-west road, despite its name. Its present position and date belong to the later expansion of Naples.
The arch, towers and nearby landmarks
A white-marble arch sits between two towers known as the Tower of Virtue and the Tower of Honor. Its carved decoration includes classical-style trophies and winged Victories. Sections of the old city wall remain beside the gate, and Castel Capuano stands nearby.
Santa Caterina a Formiello is just inside the gate. The church's domed form adds another point of interest close to the arch. After the city walls were dismantled, Porta Capuana remained standing alone, giving it the appearance of a monumental arch.
Perguntas frequentes
When was Porta Capuana built?
It was built in 1484 as part of the Aragonese expansion of Naples and its city walls.
What is there to see at Porta Capuana?
Look at the white-marble arch, its carved reliefs and the two flanking towers. Castel Capuano and Santa Caterina a Formiello are nearby.
Is Porta Capuana near Naples train station?
It is described as a stop on the way from the train station towards the city, though the input gives no distance.
When is a good time to visit Porta Capuana?
Early in the day can mean fewer people and better light for photographs.
