Porta Zaragoza

Porta Saragozza, one of the historical gates of the city of Bologna, represents not only an architectural element of great importance but also a symbol of history and social transformation. The gate is located at the western end of the city, along Via Saragozza, which leads to the famous Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. Originally built in the 13th century, Porta Saragozza has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, reflecting the different historical periods and urban changes of the city. In 1334, the gate was equipped with a drawbridge, a common feature in medieval fortifications, which allowed crossing the surrounding moat. This drawbridge was an integral part of the city’s defenses, ensuring that access could be controlled and defended in case of attack. Over the centuries, the gate has seen significant modifications and restorations, especially in 1858-1859, when it was rebuilt according to the design of the architect Enrico Brunetti Rodati. This restoration gave the gate its current neo-Gothic appearance, a style that sparked much debate at the time for its contrast with the city’s traditional medieval forms. The structure of Porta Saragozza is characterized by two towers and a central arched passage, with Ghibelline battlements that give it an imposing and solemn appearance. These architectural elements not only add beauty to the gate but also reflect its strategic and defensive importance within the context of the city walls. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Bologna was a fortified city, and its gates were crucial points for controlling and defending the territory. One of the most fascinating aspects of Porta Saragozza is its connection to the Portico of San Luca, the longest portico in the world, which connects the gate to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. This portico, with its 3,796 meters and 666 arches, was built between 1674 and 1721 and is a unique devotional path that is walked by the faithful every year during the traditional procession dedicated to the Madonna of San Luca. The portico not only provides shelter from the weather but also represents a symbol of faith and community for the people of Bologna. In the 20th century, Porta Saragozza also became a symbol of social change. In 1982, the interior premises of the gate were granted to the Cultural Circle XXVIII Giugno, becoming the first public space in Italy dedicated to a homosexual cultural association. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of civil rights in Italy, testifying to the openness and inclusivity of the city of Bologna. In 1985, the premises became the national headquarters of Arcigay, consolidating its role as a reference point for the Italian LGBT community until 2002, when the association moved to a new location. Today, the premises of Porta Saragozza house the Museum of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, a historical-educational museum that enhances and tells the devotional, historical, artistic, and cultural heritage related to the icon of the Madonna of San Luca.