In the days of the ancient Romans, Porta Borsari was the gate through which travelers entered the city of Verona. 

It also was the point where these travelers paid a tax to enter and leave the city. Since it was the city’s main entrance on Via Postumia, it was ornately decorated with columns and arched windows. 

Today, this first century gate, which also served as a fort with look-out towers, is somewhat in ruins today.

 There’s still enough left of it, however, for visitors to imagine how grand it must have been. Only the limestone façade is visible today since visitors aren’t allowed inside.