Garibaldi gate in Marsala
The Porta Garibaldi is one of the most representative monuments of Marsala, it is an integral part of the ancient defensive walls, although its construction is later.
It was erected in 1685 to replace the pre-existing one following a renewed artistic and urban planning needs. Called at the time of construction Porta del Mare, as it overlooks the city beach, it was later named after Garibaldi to commemorate the landing of Garibaldi and the Thousand on 11 May 1860. It represented one of the four access points to the city, of which only two still exist today: Porta Garibaldi and Porta Nuova.
It has a single arch structure and the archetype of the Roman triumphal arch. The large access portal is closed between two entablatures supporting an artistic balcony pediment, in which there are ancient inscriptions, all underlined by a valuable ocher color. However, the late sixteenth-century architecture is evident, rich in mannerist motifs such as the transverse ashlars and the empty niches placed between the columns on high plinths. The capitals of the columns are of the Ionic type and support the frame that follows the passage to the false attic floor with windows, now walled up. Under the cornice that marks the passage to the upper floor, a large Latin inscription entrusts the custody of the entrance and exit from the city to God. On the upper balustrade is a singular crowned eagle, symbol of the Habsburg house of Spain, under which a large plaque commemorates the year of construction with an inscription. On the internal front, as a keystone, there is a mask in the shape of a long-haired lion.
