Porta Santa Croce Arch
An ancient city gateway telling centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the Risorgimento
Timetable
The monument is open to visitors at all times.
Located at the end of Via Roma, the Porta Santa Croce Arch is one of the surviving traces of Reggio Emilia’s ancient city walls.
The gateway was completed at the end of the 12th century, during the rule of the city’s podestà Guido Lambertini of Bologna, and served as one of the entrances to the medieval city.
Over the centuries, the structure underwent several changes: it was restored in the 15th century and later incorporated into the defensive bastion built in this area around the mid-16th century.
An important restoration project began in 1858, also thanks to a contribution from Duke Francesco V d’Este.
In recognition of his support, the gateway was initially dedicated to the duke and decorated with the Este family’s eagle emblem, sculpted by Ilario Bedotti.
Following the political changes of 1859 and the end of Este rule, the gateway regained its original name of Santa Croce, and the decorations were adapted with the addition of the Savoy symbol.
The gateway is also connected to the history of the Risorgimento: on 19 August 1859, Giuseppe Garibaldi passed through Porta Santa Croce, warmly welcomed by the people of Reggio Emilia during his journey through the region.
According to a local tradition passed down through generations, some families from the Santa Croce neighbourhood symbolically entrusted their children to Garibaldi, expressing their support for the ideals of freedom and national unity.
A fresh new look for the entire area
Urban regeneration works are currently underway to give the whole area a fresh new look, reconnecting two parts of the city historically divided by the railway line.
Contacts
Via Roma - 42121 Reggio Emilia (RE)
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