The visit to the historical centre of Itri begins at Porta Mamurra, the ancient gateway to the medieval village.
On either side of the gate, there are four bas-reliefs depicting a snake and a dog’s head, elements also found in the heraldic coat of arms of Itri. This work was likely created by the Lombards towards the end of the eighth century.
On the left side of the portal stands a stone slab about 2 metres tall with the following inscription:
C. M. AGNIUS M. F. AE AEDIL. ITER.
The word “ITER” in the inscription suggests, according to some scholars, the origin of the name Itri. This theory is based on the hypothesis that “Itri” derives from the Latin term iter, meaning “journey,” as the first settlements along the Appian Way were established as rest stops for Roman legions and couriers after the arduous climb through the Sant’Andrea gorge.
Next to the doorposts are two stones with inscriptions in uppercase letters, characteristic of Longobard-Roman writing. The one on the left reads:
CUSTODES SUMUS JTRI NOSTRI SAEVISSIMI VOBIS
(We are the guardians of our Itri, most terrible to you)
The other inscription, on the right side of the door, is almost entirely hidden by the masonry of a wall. However, it is possible to read:
NUI SEMO BILI. SERPENTES
(We are fork-tongued serpents)
In an old image, Porta Mamurra appears with two arches and a circular tower guarding the main access point to the citadel, later incorporated into new civilian constructions.
To this day, little has changed: Porta Mamurra remains a vital landmark and the main entrance to the village.
