Etruscan Arch

The best preserved of the seven gateways to the city of Perugia is the monumental Arco Etrusco (Etruscan Arch)which has remained almost unaltered since antiquity: its history can be traced back to its original construction in the 3rd century B.C. via a reconstruction in 40 B.C. and in Renaissance times the addition of the loggia which tops one of the trapezoidal towers framing the entranceway with double semi-circular barrel vaults.

Located on the city’s cardo maximus the façade of the urban gateway, built from travertine , is eleven metres high: on the summit of the arch can be read the inscription “Augusta Perusia” which celebrates Emperor Augusto’s victory over the city; above this is a frieze of shields alternating with triglyphs. The inscription “colonia vibia” is a reminder that the Roman Emperor who originated from Perugia, C. Vibio Treboniano Gallo, made the city an ius coloniale (Colony of Rome).

Contacts:

Address: Via Ulisse Rocchi, 39 - 06123 Perugia PG