Porta Maggiore

The basics

Though it's a bit off the tourist trail, the Porta Maggiore is a must-see for visitors interested in ancient Roman fortifications. Many sightseeing tours of Rome pass by the Porta Maggiore, but if you want to get up close, you’ll most likely have to visit on your own.

Rome’s hop-on hop-off tour is a great way to see the city with the option of stopping at major attractions like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. The Santa Maria Maggiore stop will get you within a 15- to 20-minute walk of Porta Maggiore.

Things to know before you go

• The Porta Maggiore is a must-see for visitors interested in ancient Roman history, especially the walls and aqueducts of Rome.
• The Porta Maggiore and Tomb of the Baker are free to visit.
• Visit the Museo delle Mura to learn more about the construction of the Aurelian Walls.
• A paved path runs near the Porta Maggiore, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible. Although be mindful of the hectic traffic and oncoming trams.

How to get there

The Porta Maggiore is located in eastern Rome, 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) east of the Colosseum. Take tram lines 3, 5, or 14 to the Piazza Di Porta Maggiore stop, and you’ll arrive right outside the gate. Alternatively, the Porta Maggiore is a 20-minute walk from the Roma Termini, the main railway station in Rome.

When to get there

The Porta Maggiore is located in a public square so it is always open. Less visited than other Rome attractions, there is no best time to visit the gate. Peak season in Rome is from June through Aug., so visit outside that time to avoid the largest tourist crowds.

The Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker

Located just outside the Porta Maggiore is a well-preserved funerary tomb built between 50 and 20 BC and later incorporated into the Aurelian Wall. The tomb was built by Marcus Vergilius Eurysaces, a baker and former slave. This tomb is one of many extravagant tombs built by former enslaved people. It’s thought that these tombs were built as monuments for freedom and for future generations to appreciate the end of slavery in the family lineage.

Ways to explore

As it’s a bit off the tourist trail, the Porta Maggiore isn’t a landmark you can easily pop by while exploring attractions like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. However, it can be combined with some nearby sights, such as the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and the Castrensis Amphitheater, especially if you’re taking a self-guided bike tour of the city. Visitors looking to learn more about the Aurelian Walls should head to the Museo delle Mura, an archaeological museum inside another of Rome’s gates in the city’s south.

Accessibility

Tram tracks, raised curbs, and various obstructed sidewalks limit access for visitors with wheelchairs and strollers, but accessible gate views are possible.

Age limits

All ages are welcome, but young children should be carefully watched around the area’s tram tracks.

What to pack

Umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat

Not allowed

Parts of the gate are fenced off, preventing complete access to the site.

Amenities

Paid public restroom, information point

Address

The Porta Maggiore is located in the eastern Rome neighborhood of Esquilino, among a cluster of attractions on the edge of the city’s historical center. You can take public transportation, with many routes to choose from, or drive there.

Driving

Coming from central Rome, take either Via Labicana from the Colosseum or head toward Roma Termini Station and drive parallel to the train lines. The surrounding area has lots of paid street parking.

Public transportation

Piazza di Porta Maggiore is a major tram junction, so take tram line 3, 5, or 14 to get there, or ride one of the many buses to the stops around the square. Manzoni on Metro Line A is a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Come in the late afternoon for the best light to see the Porta Maggiore; otherwise, it’s best to avoid rush hour because of the surrounding traffic.

Best days to visit

Weekends generally mean less traffic, making it easier to take photos and cross over to the gate.

Best months to visit

While you can see the Porta Maggiore year-round, the best views of the gate are from April to October, when the surroundings have some seasonal color.