Twin Gates (Porta Gemina), Pula
They are two handsome gates that seem to lead to no place in particular. They are called Dvojna grata, or Porta Gemina, or the Twin Gates of Pula. It is a double arched gate. It was one of the ten city gates of Pula when Pula was surrounded by walls. The Twin Gates and a piece of the wall joining it to Giardin Square can be seen today.
At some time in the middle ages the gates were buried underground. They were unearthed only recently in geologic time. Apparently they had been two gates leading into the town in the 2nd or 3rd century. It looked like they had been used to replace an earlier gate.
A memorial plate was found when the gates were discovered. It was inscribed with the name Lucius Menacius Priscis. Lucius had funded a part of the town's water supply. There was no connection with the gates but the plate was set on top the arches anyway. It's nice to be remembered.
The two openings of the gate are framed with three semi-columns with composite capitals. A stone wreath above enhances the overall composition. The slats used to lower the portcullis are kept intact. A part of an octagonal mausoleum of the 3rd century AD was discovered with the twin gates.
Today the gates lead to the Archeological Museum of Pula, to the Castle and the small Roman Theater.
At some time in the middle ages the gates were buried underground. They were unearthed only recently in geologic time. Apparently they had been two gates leading into the town in the 2nd or 3rd century. It looked like they had been used to replace an earlier gate.
A memorial plate was found when the gates were discovered. It was inscribed with the name Lucius Menacius Priscis. Lucius had funded a part of the town's water supply. There was no connection with the gates but the plate was set on top the arches anyway. It's nice to be remembered.
The two openings of the gate are framed with three semi-columns with composite capitals. A stone wreath above enhances the overall composition. The slats used to lower the portcullis are kept intact. A part of an octagonal mausoleum of the 3rd century AD was discovered with the twin gates.
Today the gates lead to the Archeological Museum of Pula, to the Castle and the small Roman Theater.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pula. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Twin Gates (Porta Gemina) on Map
Sight Name: Twin Gates (Porta Gemina)
Sight Location: Pula, Croatia (See walking tours in Pula)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Pula, Croatia (See walking tours in Pula)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Pula, Croatia
Create Your Own Walk in Pula
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pula 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.
Pula's Seaside Walking Tour
If you crave for holidays by the sea, the Croatian coast is a good choice for family vacation, especially so if it includes the town of Pula. This charming port city is rich in tourist attractions, the most famous of which, undoubtedly, are the local beaches and bays.
Indeed, the dreamlike beaches of Pula are widely regarded among the most picturesque in Istria. Incredibly spectacular, these... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Indeed, the dreamlike beaches of Pula are widely regarded among the most picturesque in Istria. Incredibly spectacular, these... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Pula Introduction Walking Tour
Greek mythology attributed the foundation of the city of Polai, known as Pula today, to the Colchians. In the story of Jason and Medea, it is said that Jason seduced Medea, the Witch of Colchis. He then escaped with her and the Golden Fleece. The unlucky Colchians chased them into the Adriatic. They lost them and being lost themselves, they settled in Polai which they called a "Place of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles