Things to do

Porta Furba

Largo Bastia, 00181 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

Details

Porta Furba is a striking 16th-century city gate, adorned with distinctive archways and stone decorations, situated along Rome's Via Tuscolana. This historical landmark, built in 1585 under Pope Sixtus V, formed a crucial part of the Aqua Felice aqueduct system, demonstrating a blend of practical Roman engineering and urban development from the era. The gate's character stems from its enduring presence as a significant crossing point, with its intriguing name, "Furba" (meaning "cunning" or "clever"), reflecting the resourceful merchants and travellers who once frequented the area. It provides a fascinating glimpse into a less-explored facet of Rome's rich history and infrastructure.

Visitors can admire the impressive architectural features of Porta Furba itself, including the detailed stone carvings and inscriptions that commemorate its papal origins. Though not part of Rome's ancient city walls, its formidable gate-like appearance is notable. While the immediate vicinity is largely residential, it serves as a gateway to exploring the local Tuscolana district. Nearby, one can find the Mausoleum of Monte del Grano, offering additional historical interest within walking distance.

This unique site particularly appeals to history enthusiasts and those keen to discover Rome beyond the bustling tourist hotspots. It is well-suited for travellers seeking a more authentic local atmosphere, offering a tranquil base with excellent transport links via the Porta Furba-Quadraro Metro station for reaching central attractions. Its appeal lies in its quiet charm and the opportunity to experience a different, yet equally rich, layer of Roman heritage.

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https://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/cosa_facciamo/attivita_sul_territorio/didattica/i_giganti_dell_acqua5

Comments

Roberto Cecchini

7 Apr 2026

5.0 ★

I'm adding this site back to Maps (with its FIRST review) because there's no point in removing it—I'll add it back and earn more points—and above all, no one will be able to erase the beauty of this site, which offered me one of the most evocative visits I've ever had. What am I talking about? The so-called "Water Giants," that is, the stretch of aqueduct that, having been built on now private land, has retained some majestic features that make it dominate the rest of the aqueduct. These are actually three overlapping aqueducts (Claudius, Anio Novus, and Felice) that were restored in the 1990s but have remained intact since the Felice Aqueduct was added, as this stretch has not undergone any further modifications (an extremely rare condition for an ancient monument of this size). It's not normally open to the public, as it's located within the Bank of Italy's Sports Center. However, the synergy between the Bank of Italy (and the significant resources it made available) and the Capitoline Superintendency enabled a long and complex restoration project that halted the aqueduct's deterioration, highlighting its ancient layers and restoring the landscape in which it was originally located. Furthermore, it was during the 1993 restoration work that a beautiful Roman road, in excellent condition, was accidentally discovered, while a survey was being conducted to assess the aqueduct's foundations. The aqueduct's eastern side is also unique because its location allows, at certain times of day, the structure to be admired as the sun's rays pass through it, making it appear as if it were naturally illuminated from within the arches. You'll also find the remains of a Renaissance structure that once stood against the walls but was later removed. An absolute must-see on the rare visits that are organized. Looking for useful info? Then leave a like and check out other reviews about Rome and beyond.