Plizio Visual Lab

Porta Pertusa

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Porta Pertusa is a historical gateway integrated into the Leonine Walls that surround the Vatican City. It was originally constructed in the 9th century during the reign of Pope Leo IV as part of a defensive perimeter to protect St. Peter's Basilica from Saracen raids. The name is derived from the Latin word 'pertusus', meaning 'pierced', which refers to its status as a secondary or smaller opening compared to the main city gates. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Popes Nicholas V and Alexander VI oversaw significant reinforcements to the gate and the surrounding walls to adapt to modern artillery. Currently located near the Vatican Gardens and the Belvedere courtyard, the gate is generally closed to public traffic. It stands as a testament to the medieval fortification strategies of the Papal State and its long history of territorial defense.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: Lourdes Grotto · Vatican Hill · St John's Tower

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Porta Pertusa is a historical gate in the Leonine Wall and can be viewed from the outside at any time. It is not open for interior visits as it is a pure architectural structure.

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Typical hours

As an outdoor landmark, the gate is accessible around the clock, with no opening hours. It is freely accessible at any time without a ticket.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time; the gate is best photographed from the street. No flash is needed as daylight is sufficient.

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Time needed

A quick stop of 5-10 minutes is enough to see the gate and take photos. It is a small structure that does not require much time.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk along the Leonine Wall and the nearby Vatican heliport. The nearby Porta Angelica is also of interest.

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Getting there

The gate is located near the Vatican heliport, accessible on foot from St. Peter's Square. There is no direct public transport to the gate.

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Insider tip

Look closely at the three arches - the central one is the largest. Early morning light enhances the stone details.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90250, 12.44850

Facts

Constructed under Pope Leo IV between 848 and 852 AD.
Part of the 3-kilometer long defensive Leonine Wall system.
Restored and reinforced by Pope Alexander VI in the year 1503.
The name 'Pertusa' originates from the Latin term for 'pierced' or 'perforated'.
Located on the western side of the Vatican, near the Belvedere.
Historically served as a secondary access point for the papal court.