Pusterla di Sant Ambrogio Gate

The pusterla or side gate of Saint Ambrose was built in 1171, after the city was destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa. It is one of the ten secondary gates of Milan in the medieval city walls. In the XVI century, during the period of Spanish rule, when the construction of new city walls began, the Pusterla of St. Ambrose was turned into a prison, and later completely destroyed.

In 1939, the building was completely restored by historian and restorer Gino Kierici. It consists of two fortress towers and a double arched entrance. Above the arches there is a niche with three statues - the tabernacle with Saints Ambrose, Gervasio and Protasio, which dates from the middle of the XIV century and was transferred here from the hospital of St. Ambrose.

Pusterla of St. Ambrose is especially popular, as one of the towers houses the Museum of Criminology and Ancient Weapons. Here you can see halberds, muskets, crossbows and ancient military armor, as well as various medieval instruments of torture. A special atmosphere in the museum creates a musical accompaniment from the films of Dario Argento.