Overview:

Porta Pertusa in Vatican City is a massive monumental gateway that serves as the main entrance to the Apostolic Palace. The gateway is watched over by the Swiss Guards and separated the Papal Palace from the rest of Vatican City. The name “Porta Pertusa” translates to “smashed door” in Latin, supposedly referring to the door that was destroyed in 1527 by the troops of Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire. The original gateway was replaced by the current Porta Pertusa in 1608. The new Gateway is signed by Carlo Maderno and consists of two large semi-circular stone towers linked by a single span. It is topped by a large triangular pediment, flanked by two statues of Peter and Paul. The entire entrance gives the impression of grandeur and is a fitting entrance to the Papacy's residence. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

1. Giant Bronze Door: Known as the "Porta Pertusa" in Latin, the giant bronze door marks the entrance to the Vatican. The door was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta who added 4 large statues to the exterior of the door. 2. Locking System: The door is equipped with a complex locking system which includes an advanced combination of locks, electronic locks and cipher machines. 3. Historical Mark: The four large statues that adorn the exterior of the door depict the four evangelists: Saint Peter, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John. The door itself is inscribed with the words "Ave Maria Gratia Plena" which translates to "Hail Mary, Full of Grace". 4. Accessibility: The Porta Pertusa can only be closed and opened by a special key which is held by Vatican officials and the Roman Catholic Church. This door has also served as a symbol of Vatican City's sovereignty. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Porta Pertusa was originally the main entrance gate to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It was built in 1607 by Carlo Maderno and stood at the end of St. Peter's Square. The gate was dismantled in 1750, and then reconstructed in 1780 by Luigi de Vegni. The gate was used to close off the Vatican City during times of war and crises. During the pontificate of Pius IX, Porta Pertusa was the site of a heated battle between papal troops and troops of the new Italian government in 1870 during the process of the Unification of Italy. The gate survives today, although it has been moved to the entrance of the Vatican Museums. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Porta Pertusa, or Yet Untrodden Gate, is a secret passageway located within St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican City. 2. Its existence has been long suspected by historians, but it was not until 2013 that it was officially rediscovered and opened. 3. It is believed that the Porta Pertusa was used by Catholic clergy as an escape route during times of need and as a way to secretly move important figures and documents around the Vatican. 4. It is a rectangular tunnel, stretching over 70 feet in length and is considered an important archaeological finding located beneath St. Peter's Basilica. 5. The portal is located between the Chapel of the Pietà and the grottoes of St. Peter's tomb and it is estimated to be hundreds of years old. 6. The intricately styled entrance was built with Venetian red marble, decorated with symbols and reliefs of family crests. 7. It is said that the Porta Pertusa had two secret entrances, located in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's tomb. 8. The gate is believed to be the last vestige of an ancient underground city of the Vatican. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.