This city entrance no longer exists but we want to mention it and give it the maximum score because it was one of the most beautiful and interesting monuments of Europe. Porta Riala was a piece of art which demolished in 1893 by the Corfu authorities. The architectural and historical value of this enormous gate was not enough to dissuade the authorities and it is another victim of the fight between caste.
This is another mistake the Corfu community made among other like the denial of reconstruction of the old theatre etc.
Porta Riala builded around 1569 -1578 by F. Vitelli. The overall architecture and a detailed look reveals the connection of this Entrance with others designed by Michele Sanmicheli founded in Verona (Italy) and in Zara
(Croatia).
This was the city’s’ main entrance (from land) and the only thing that has survive is the icon of Panagia (‘Holy Mother’) which is now located in Agia Sofia church. In the presented photo you can clearly understand the volume of the structure. On the top you may notice some people standing. It is I. Polilas ,K. Theotokis, L. Mavilis and other famous representatives of the Greek culture, protesting against the decision to demolish this remarkable landmark.
