Porta Magna

About

The Land Gate of the Venetian Arsenal, also known as Porta di Terra, Porta Magna, Porta da Terra or, in Venetian, Porta da tera, is the monumental land entrance to the Venetian Arsenal, where the Republic of Venice built and armed its public ships. The monumental gate was completed in 1460 on the model of the classical triumphal arch, with a direct reference to the Arch of the Sergii in Pula. After the Battle of Lepanto, the winged Victories and the inscription of 1571 were added; in 1578 these were followed by the urns and the statue of Saint Justina. Between 1692 and 1695 the terrace with its railing and statues was built. In 1694 the wooden door leaves were also covered with copper. The first two Greek lions were placed in front of the gate in 1692; the lioness from Delos was added there in 1716.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.