Porta Palatina (Palatine Gate), Turin

In the Roman era, Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) was a gate providing access through the city walls of Julia Augusta Taurinorum, now known as Turin. Since the gate opened to the north side, it was Right-Side Main Gate (Porta Pricipalis Dextra). The Turin Gate may be the best preserved of its kind.

The name Porta Palatina refers to a palace situated close to the gate. Although, the specific palace to which the term is mentioned is uncertain. Some believe it could refer to the old Senate House (Casa del Senato), a medieval palace close to the gate. Others say maybe it involved the City Hall (Palazzo di Citta). Still, some think the palace is the Amphitheater in the historical Borgo Dora neighborhood outside the walls.

The Palatine Gate has had other names over the years, such as Count's Gate (Porta Comitale); Doranea Gate since it led to the Dora River, and Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo).

The remains of the gate, which granted access to the ancient north-south Cardo Maximus, can be seen in the streets of Palatine Gate and San Tommaso; and in the center of Cesare Augusto Square.

The Palatine Gate is erected on a square base and flanked by two towers, each 99 feet high. The center section is 66 feet long with two rows of windows. The towers are cylindrical. The left one has a crenelated top. There are four entrances. The two central entries are wide to admit vehicles. The two end entrances are for pedestrians only.