by Giuseppe Agostino Pietro Vasi, 1747

The gate was originally an arch, built under Augustus, at the point where three aqueducts (Aqua Marcia, Aqua Julia and Aqua Tepula) passed over the Via Tiburtina. The arch was restored by the emperors Titus and Caracalla.

The Arch of Augustus was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls by the emperor Aurelian. At the time of Honorius' restoration, in the 5th century, a second external opening was created with five small openings that illuminated the room where the gate was operated.

Over time the gate changed its name to Porta San Lorenzo, due to the presence of the nearby basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura. However, the people called it "Capo de bove" or "Porta Taurina", since the arch of Augustus was decorated with bull skulls.

The gate bears witness to the victory obtained on the evening of 20 November 1347 by the popular Roman leader Cola di Rienzo against the forces of the city's barons, in which the latter's leader Stefano Colonna was killed.

Full title of the work: Porta S. Lorenzo ot. Esquiline. G. Vasi dis. and inc. 6. Of the magnificences of ancient and modern Rome: Book one ... In Rome MDCCXLVII (1747).