Porta Burgi Field Project

The Field work on Porta Burgi  in 2011 involved the cleaning, pointing and consolidation of the stone masonry on the outer facade of the Gate.

The Porta Burgi (Town Gate) was probably built in the 13th Century. When built, it was the main entrance into town from the Via Flaminia in the direction of Rome. The lower section, including the arch and the sides of the gates, are original. Above the arch there is a coat of arms of the Santacroce family from the 18th Century. Further up is an closed window or niche of uncertain period, and the top section, which includes the parapet to the terrace, was probably added or rebuilt built at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The work done in 2011 included cleaning the stone, removing Portland cement from the masonry joints, pointing joints with new lime mortar, removing black crusts from the 18th Century coat of arms, tying back some loose blocks to the wall structure, treating stone with biocides, and applying protective coatings.

The areas worked on included the upper and middle section of the facade. In 2012 we plan to work on the lower section of the facade and the inner surfaces of the arch. The inner arch is the area that has been most affected by “black crust” conditions and will be the most sensitive portions of the work done on the gate.