The magic gate of Piazza Vittorio

In the center of the garden in Piazza Vittorio are the remains of a structure erected by Marquis Palombara in the mid-1600s.

This is the famous Magic Gate, also known as the Alchemic Door.

But what is the legend linked to the Door?

It is said that one day a traveler came to the marquis' villa in search of refuge. The marquis accepted, but shortly afterwards the stranger began to handle some herbs and magically disappeared through the Door, leaving behind gold dust and a sheet with strange inscriptions. The Marquis, unable with his own to interpret the message, thought of engraving it on the doors of his villa so that someone in the future might be able to understand them.

To this day, these symbols remain unknown and are said to pass on the solution to change metals into gold.