Porta di Vicari - Palermo

The Porta di Vicari (also known as Porta di Sant'Antonino ) was one of the oldest gates in Palermo .

The gate has been in its current location since 1600 when it was built next to the church of Sant'Antonio di Padova. The name refers to the praetor of the city Francesco del Bosco, Count of Vicari, although the Senate of Palermo had decreed the name Porta Manriguez, in tribute to Aloisa Manriguez, consort of the Viceroy of Sicily Bernardino de Cardenas y Portugal, Duke of Maqueda .

It has undergone several adjustments over the years, mainly in terms of embellishment and decoration.

In 1789 the gate and the fortress wall were demolished. During the viceroyalty of Francesco d'Aquino, Prince of Caramanico, the structure was moved a few steps forward on the plan of Saint Anthony, rebuilt from scratch without a vaulted arch , consisting of opposing columns, enriched by fountains with basins . One bore the coat of arms of the praetor Girolamo Grifeo, prince of Partanna. The other that of Girolamo Corvino, prince of Mezzojuso, mayor of the city.

Willem Vandenameele