The Arco d'Augusto (Arch of Augustus) is one of Fano’s most famous tourist attractions. This ancient triumphal arch is located at the entrance of this picturesque Italian town. Learn about the controversial emperor who ordered the construction and the gate’s significance for the powerful Roman Empire.
Find this ancient Roman arch in the lovely historic center of Fano. It’s named after the military leader and Roman Emperor Augustus. When Augustus’ great uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated, Augustus formed an alliance with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus to defeat the murderers. During his reign, Emperor Augustus enlarged the Roman Empire, adding territories including Egypt, and conquering Hispania (the Iberian Peninsula).
Marvel at the grand structure that used to be the entrance to one of the many Roman coloniae, military camps that Romans established in conquered territory. Visit the triumphal arch built to commemorate the victory during the Battle of Metauro. The construction was part of the emperor’s ambitious plan to improve and expand the empire’s road network.
Take photos of the Arco d'Augusto, which has a magnificent central arch and two much smaller arches at the sides. It was built using an ancient Roman construction technique known as opus quadratum, which consisted of setting parallel blocks of stone of the same height.
Admire the ancient materials of the arch, blocks of pietra d'Istria (Istrian stone). Look for the image of the animal that decorates the central arch’s keystone, the stone piece at the highest spot of the arch. It’s no longer easy to recognize the type of animal depicted, but experts believe it originally was an elephant. Find the inscription carved in the rock, which says that Emperor Augustus donated the wall and that he was the son of a god and the father of the country.
Discover the ancient Arco d'Augusto and enjoy a day at a lovely town in Italy full of history and charm.
