Rome - Arch of Constantine Arco di Costantino

The triumphal arch erected by the Senate in honor of the Emperor Constantine, "liberator of the city and bringer of peace", after his victory over Maxentius in the battle of the Milvian Bridge A.D. 312 is the largest (21m/69ft high, 25.7m/84ft wide, 7.4m/24ft deep) and best preserved of Roman triumphal arches, in spite of the fact that it, like the Colosseum, was incorporated in the castle of the Frangipane family and was not disengaged until the 16th (partly) and 19th century (completely). Extensive restoration was completed in 1990. The arch, with three openings, is decorated with reliefs taken from earlier structures, which the sculptors of the early fourth century were unable to equal.