Porta Nuova was built between 1532 and 1540, designed by architect Michele San Micheli and by the General Captain of the Church Francesco Maria Della Rovere. Sanmicheli also made Porta Palio and Porta San Zeno, examples of Renaissance architecture in the city.
Unlike Porta Palio, made according to the canons of the Renaissance, Porta Nuova claims a strictly military function, as suggested by walls and pillars thick enough to withstand the recoil of the guns, and large enough to allow the operation of the same.
Over the years, the building has undergone several changes due to its location, main gateway to the city .
Significant change is the one made by the Austrians in 1854 to facilitate transit, opening a second arch on the right of the entrance and one on the left just for reasons of symmetry.
The two portals at the ends of the inner façade lead to a tunnel called "contromina", which runs under the door and down the streets up to the ramparts of the SS. Trinity and the Reformed.
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