Arco Augusteo (Augustan Arch), Syracuse
The Augustan Arch of Syracuse is a remarkable Roman architectural structure dating back to the Augustan era, situated in the heart of the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. This arch stands as a testament to the city's rich history and Roman heritage.
Excavations in the 1950s near the Roman amphitheater of Syracuse unveiled the remains of this splendid architectural work. The arch was designed with two pillars supporting a single-fornix arch, with its front oriented in an east-west direction. The grand dimensions of the arch are impressive, with a width of 10 meters, a depth of 6 meters, and an overall height of approximately 13 meters. The arch was constructed using opus sack as the internal core, while the exterior was adorned with opus quadratum, showcasing white limestone blocks, and maintaining a rustic ashlar finish.
The arch was built on a low plinth, and for both pylons, archaeologists identified three rows of elevated blocks, as well as four blocks from the fourth row in the southern pylon. The arch boasted a prominent main fa莽ade facing east, where it might have featured columns or corner pilasters, lending it an imposing and ornate appearance. In contrast, the western front, although simpler, likely did not have an applied order.
The arch underwent partial modifications at two key points in history. First, at the end of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 3rd century AD, alterations were made. Then, further modifications were made at the end of the 7th century AD, which involved raising the fornix floor and constructing a staircase on the eastern fa莽ade. These changes speak to the evolving use and significance of the arch over time.
The arch's strategic location was along a road flanked by private residential areas to the north and south. Situated a short distance to the east of the southern entrance to the amphitheatre, the Augustan Arch represents a captivating relic of the city's ancient past, offering a glimpse into its Roman heritage and the architectural prowess of the Augustan era.
Excavations in the 1950s near the Roman amphitheater of Syracuse unveiled the remains of this splendid architectural work. The arch was designed with two pillars supporting a single-fornix arch, with its front oriented in an east-west direction. The grand dimensions of the arch are impressive, with a width of 10 meters, a depth of 6 meters, and an overall height of approximately 13 meters. The arch was constructed using opus sack as the internal core, while the exterior was adorned with opus quadratum, showcasing white limestone blocks, and maintaining a rustic ashlar finish.
The arch was built on a low plinth, and for both pylons, archaeologists identified three rows of elevated blocks, as well as four blocks from the fourth row in the southern pylon. The arch boasted a prominent main fa莽ade facing east, where it might have featured columns or corner pilasters, lending it an imposing and ornate appearance. In contrast, the western front, although simpler, likely did not have an applied order.
The arch underwent partial modifications at two key points in history. First, at the end of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 3rd century AD, alterations were made. Then, further modifications were made at the end of the 7th century AD, which involved raising the fornix floor and constructing a staircase on the eastern fa莽ade. These changes speak to the evolving use and significance of the arch over time.
The arch's strategic location was along a road flanked by private residential areas to the north and south. Situated a short distance to the east of the southern entrance to the amphitheatre, the Augustan Arch represents a captivating relic of the city's ancient past, offering a glimpse into its Roman heritage and the architectural prowess of the Augustan era.
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Arco Augusteo (Augustan Arch) on Map
Sight Name: Arco Augusteo (Augustan Arch)
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Syracuse, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Syracuse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Syracuse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Syracuse Introduction Walking Tour
Syracuse, a city steeped in 2,700 years of Greek and Roman history, boasts a rich cultural heritage, remarkable amphitheaters, and iconic architecture. It was the birthplace of the renowned mathematician and engineer Archimedes and played a pivotal role as a Mediterranean powerhouse in ancient times.
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Neapolis Archaeological Park Walk
For those keen on ancient history, Syracuse's main attraction lies within its Neapolis Archaeological Park. Spread across a vast area, this historical site contains a variety of fascinating landmarks, each with its own unique story.
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles