016.

Porta Cavalleggieri ol. Posterula

Porta Cavalleggieri was demolished in the late 19th century, though the massive round tower (or Torrione) to the right of it survives, and the stones of the arch have been set into the wall to the left of the wide opening which has replaced the gate. The gate as it appears in Vasi was rebuilt by Alexander VI (1492-1503) whose coat of arms is still visible above the reconstructed arch. The sarcophagus fountain with its inscription seen to the right of the gate has now been moved to the left of this same arch. The gate was originally named after the tower: Porta del Torrione, but changed name under Pius IV (1559-65) who established the light horse (Cavalleggieri) barracks and stables (4) near it. The same barracks also appear in Plate 17. The dramatic view of St. Peter's dome (1) is still obtainable from this view point, unimpeded by the lengthened nave of the basilica as it appears in other views (see for example Plate 114). A rebuilt version of the Sant'Ofizio (3), headquarters of the Inquisition, still survives, while the Pontifical Palace (2) remains virtually unchanged. A seductive figure in the left foreground beckons to a passerby providing a worldly contrast to the lofty dome of St. Peter's looming directly above.