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Porta Mamurra in Itri: the gateway to the village that tells a story through its ancient inscriptions
Porta Mamurra is the ancient entrance to the medieval hilltop village of Itri. But it is more than just an archway. It has stories to tell, through its Lombard inscriptions and bas-reliefs depicting serpents and dogs’ heads — the same symbols as those found on the town's coat of arms. A welcome with centuries of history behind it.
The message carved in stone
The real curiosity lies in what the stones themselves say. On the left, an inscription gives out a warning: "We are the guardians of Itri, do not arouse our wrath". A clear message for anyone arriving with evil intentions. On the right, another epigraph — today almost concealed behind a wall — seems even more enigmatic: "We are two-tongued serpents".
A theory on the origin of the name
Then there is a large Roman slab, reused centuries later, fragment of an even older history. The inscription mentions the word "ITER", which in Latin means "journey". Some scholars believe that the town's name derives from this word, it being a resting place for travellers along the Via Appia. A compelling theory.
Entry to Porta Mamurra is free and unrestricted. It is located at the entrance to the historic centre.
