Porta Boncompagni in Camerino

History of Porta Boncompagni in Camerino

The gate was built together with the enlargement of the city walls. Camerino's first circuit of walls dates back to the early Middle Ages. Its perimeter remained essentially unchanged until the 14th century.

The name recalls the nephew of Pope Gregory XIII, castellan of Camerino.

After the earthquake of 1799 the architect Andrea Vici drew up a report on the damage. The outer ornamentation, the inner vault and part of the side supporting walls had collapsed. The current appearance is the result of restorations carried out between the 19th and 20th centuries.

What to see at Porta Boncompagni

The most recognizable feature is the outer facade, facing northwest, rebuilt in a single design in the 17th or 18th century. Inside is the guardhouse, the only part that keeps its original military function. The upper part no longer has the original sloping roofs designed for defense.

How to visit Porta Boncompagni

In November 2024 the design work began for the restoration and repair of damage to the gate. The project also covers Porta Caterina Cybo and is part of the public reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake. Before visiting, it is worth asking the tourism office of the town of Camerino.

Camerino stands at 661 m and in winter gets frequent, sometimes heavy, snowfall.

Where Porta Boncompagni is located

The gate is in Camerino, at the end of the Madonna delle Carceri road. The city occupies a hill in the center of the mountain area of the province of Macerata, with the Sibillini Mountains to the south.

Around Porta Boncompagni

Outside the gate stands the Church of Madonna delle Carceri, in the "contrata carcerum", now closed because it was declared unsafe after the 2016 earthquake. Bishop Gerolamo Bovio had it built after the miraculous healing of a crippled man, which took place in 1581 before a much-venerated image of the Virgin. The design, with a central plan, is by Ottaviano Mascherino. Inside is a detached fresco of the Madonna and Child.

The other gates in Camerino's walls are also worth knowing, such as Porta Caterina Cybo (Camerino) and Porta Malatesta (Camerino). Other walls and gates in the area are gathered on the page medieval walls and gates of the Sibillini.