Arch of Augustus

The Arch of Augustus, or Arco di Augusto as it is known locally, stands as a majestic testament to the rich historical tapestry of Fano, Italy. This ancient city gate, with its three arches, serves as a grand entrance to the city from the ancient Via Flaminia. The Arch of Augustus is not just an entryway but a symbol of Fano's historical significance and architectural prowess from the Roman era.

The Historical Significance of the Arch of Augustus

The Arch of Augustus was commissioned by the princeps Caesar Octavian Augustus in 9 AD, marking the year of his 32nd tribunician power. This monumental gateway was the principal entrance to the Colonia Julia Fanestris, a colony established in the area known as Fanum Fortunae, named after the temple dedicated to the goddess Fortuna. Over the centuries, the arch has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, standing resiliently through the ages.

In the 4th century AD, the prefect of Emperor Constantine, Turcius Secundus Apronianus, restored the arch and added an inscription to the attic, creating a historical link between Augustus and Constantine. This restoration effort ensured the preservation of the original inscription by Caesar Octavian Augustus, highlighting the continuity of Roman imperial authority.

After centuries of neglect, the arch was brought back into the public eye in 1423 by Ciriaco d'Ancona, the father of archaeology. He presented the arch to an audience of Fano citizens, translating and commenting on its inscription. This event rekindled interest in the arch and its historical significance.

During the Neapolitan succession war in 1463, the artillery of Federico da Montefeltro, Count of Urbino, damaged the upper attic of the arch while attempting to capture Fano from Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, a rebel against Pope Pius II. The debris from the destruction was sold to the Confraternity of San Michele, who used it to create the facade of the adjacent church and its loggia. Despite this damage, the arch's original appearance is preserved in a Renaissance bas-relief on the church facade, believed to be based on Ciriaco d'Ancona's drawings.

Architectural Marvels of the Arch of Augustus

The Arch of Augustus is a masterpiece of Roman architecture, constructed at the junction where Via Flaminia merges into the city's main decumanus. Built from travertine, the arch features three passageways: a central, larger arch for vehicles and two smaller side arches for pedestrians. This design facilitated the flow of traffic into the bustling Roman colony.

The arch was flanked by two horseshoe-shaped towers, from which the city's walls extended. Although only the foundations and the lower part of the right tower remain today, these remnants offer a glimpse into the arch's original grandeur. The central arch consists of seventeen voussoirs, including a keystone that once featured the carved head of an animal, possibly an elephant, bull, or ox. The side arches each have six voussoirs, though the right arch's details are obscured by the adjacent church.

The arch's base, still well-preserved, once supported a grand attic with a pseudo-Corinthian portico featuring seven arched windows separated by eight semi-columns. Although much of this structure was destroyed in the 15th century, some attic bases and fragments of columns remain, offering insight into its original splendor. The monument shares stylistic similarities with other Augustan gates in Spello, Aosta, and Authon in Provence.

Inscriptions and Legacy

The arch's entablature bears an inscription in incised letters that once held gilded bronze letters, adding a touch of grandeur and solemnity to the gate. This inscription reads:

IMP. CAESARI DIVI F. AVGVSTO COS. XIII TRIBVNIC. POTEST. XXXII

Another inscription from the same period is engraved on the middle band of the architrave, further commemorating the arch's significance.

The Arch of Augustus is more than just an ancient gate; it is a symbol of Fano's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in Roman history. As you pass through its arches, you are transported back in time, walking in the footsteps of emperors, soldiers, and citizens who once traversed this monumental gateway. The arch stands as a testament to the architectural and historical prowess of the Roman Empire, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the rich heritage of Fano.