The gate was officially renamed Porta Garibaldi in 1862 to commemorate Giuseppe Garibaldi's visit to Bergamo.
The Venetian walls, of which this gate is a part, were built to replace the medieval fortifications and cover a total perimeter of over six kilometers.
The gate features a coat of arms representing the city of Bergamo, integrated into the masonry during the 19th-century remodeling.
The Venetian Republic required the destruction of many medieval churches and homes in the surrounding area to create a clear defensive field of fire for this gate.
Porta San Lorenzo, also known as Porta Garibaldi, is one of the four historic gates piercing the 16th-century Venetian Walls of Bergamo's Upper Town. It was constructed by the Republic of Venice between 1561 and 1588 to fortify the city against potential invaders. The gate served as the primary entry point for travelers arriving from the direction of Milan. Its exterior facade is characterized by a sober, neoclassical style that replaced the original 16th-century structures during the 19th century. A significant lion of Saint Mark, symbol of the Venetian Republic, was restored and reinstalled on the gate to honor its historical origins. The structure currently functions as a transit point connecting the modern lower city with the pedestrianized historic center. It remains a key element of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Venetian defensive works.
From the exterior looking up at the archway, capturing the transition between the stone masonry and the greenery of the surrounding hillside.
Approach on foot from the lower city to experience the transition from the modern urban grid into the historic fortified walls.
Combine a visit to the gate with a walk along the top of the Venetian walls for panoramic views of the Po Valley.
The area is less crowded than the main tourist gates, making it an ideal entry point for photography.
Attempting to drive through the gate during ZTL (limited traffic zone) restricted periods, as heavy fines apply to unauthorized vehicles.
