The Rose Gateporta rosa

schemaThe Rose Gate of Velia represents an interesting example of the use of the arch in Greek architecture. In reality, it is not a true access gate, but a divider between the north and south districts of the city, a kind of fire barrier created to isolate the two urban areas. If an attacker managed to create a breach in the defensive walls, the Velian army could retreat and continue to fight in the still defensible district.

Next to it is a reconstruction by the Archaeological Superintendence of Salerno.