Description of the attraction
Arch of Gavi is a triumphal arch built in Verona in the second half of the 1st century by the architect Lucius Vitruvius Cerdon. She received her name in honor of the Gavia family - one of the most noble families of Verona during the time of Ancient Rome. In the Middle Ages, the arch was used as a gate in the city wall, which surrounded Verona by the decision of the City Council, and in the 16th century various structures were added to it - artisans' shops and shops. In addition, during the Renaissance, many artists and architects took the Gavi Arch as an example of the classical style in the construction of churches, chapels and chapels in Northern Italy. Among the masters inspired by the arch is the great Andrea Palladio. In 1805, when Italy was conquered by Napoleon, the arch was dismantled to improve French access to the city. The stones of the destroyed monument were first placed in Piazza Cittadella, and then transferred to the Verona amphitheater. In 1814, for the construction of a new road, both the lower parts of the arch column, which remained in the same place, and its base were dismantled. Fortunately, in 1932 the historical monument was restored from the preserved material and installed not far from its original location - near the Castelvecchio castle.
The Gavi arch consists of one span, the facades are decorated with semi-columns, and the opening is decorated with a decorative frieze with floral ornaments. The height of the arch is 12.69 meters. The two main facades face Via Postumia. The pedestal is composed of 4 blocks of local limestone, the columns - of 11, the entablature and the attic took 3 blocks each. The side niches once housed statues depicting members of the Gavi family. An interesting detail - under the arch you can see a preserved fragment of an ancient Roman road.
