The Towers
Portogruaro was already surrounded by walls with towers and defensive doors in the 12th century. During the 13th century the first circle of walls was expanded and strengthened. The town was accessible through five tower-gates, three of which, San Gottardo (formerly San Francesco), Sant’Agnese and San Giovanni, still exist. At the beginning of the 20th century the demolition of the walls began, determined by the development of the outskirts as well as by the reclamation of the marshes surrounding the historical settlement. Porta San Nicolò (on the right bank of the Lemene, to the north) was demolished in 1886, whilst Porta Palù (towards Summaga) in 1840. The names of the gates are connected to those of the churches that stood and/or are still adjacent to them.