Porta Asinaria
Porta Asinaria is one of many gates that make up the Aurelian Wall. Built between 270 and 273, it is one of the wall's original gates. By the 16th Century, the increasing traffic overwhelmed the gate, and a new breach was made in the walls, which became the Porta San Giovanni. Following this, the Porta Asinaria was closed to traffic.
History
The Porta Asinaria was built as a part of the original Mura Aureliane (Aurelian Walls). Its unique tower blocks and guard rooms cause it to stand out from the rest. In 536, General Belisarius led his troops through this gate to retake Rome from the Ostrogoths. Its glory was, however, short lived when, 10 years later, traitors opened this gate to let Totila and the Ostrogoths back in to raid the city for a second time.