The Borghese Arch of Artena, declared a national monument, is the gateway to the ancient city. It is an imposing structure built between 1618 and 1624 on commission of Cardinal Borghese, who chose Martino Longhi and Vasanzio as architects.

The monument is characterized by a mass of tufa ashlars with architectural elements and stone battlements. Its position contrasts with the wall of the Civita plain to the north, while the opposite side faces the panorama of the new city to the south.

Recognized both as a symbol of the city of Artena and as a key work in the 17th-century urban landscape, the Borghese Arch is today the main passageway to the historic center. Despite its massive appearance, the structure appears light and elegant, rising on three different ashlars and featuring a main façade rich in decorative elements. A travertine eagle with spread wings stands out in the center of the arch, while two round stone medallions with two dragons in relief stand out in the third ashlar.

The cardinal’s grandiose coat of arms towers in the center of the Baroque architecture, surmounted by six monolithic tufa battlements crowned with travertine balls. A travertine frieze, which once gladdened the eye with the year of construction stamped in large lead letters, completes the work.