Nocera Gate provided access to the south-eastern part of Pompeii from the road leading towards Nuceria. Its original layout dates to the Samnite period, probably the 4th century BC, although the structure visible today is the result of numerous later alterations and restorations.
The gate has features similar to those of Nola Gate and Stabia Gate. A barrel-vaulted chamber housed the gate’s closing doors, followed by a passage protected at both ends by defensive structures. The building was constructed from large limestone blocks.
The striking height visible today is partly due to the lowering of the road surface over time. An important stretch of the city walls survives on either side of the gate, consisting of two curtain walls of limestone blocks with an internal earthwork and a wall walk.
Passing through the gate led to the road along which the extensive Necropolis of Nocera Gate developed.
View this location on the Pompeii Buildings and Places map