This essay investigates the area of Porta Ercolano, the first entrance to the ancient city to be rediscovered at the
beginning of archaeological excavations in the second half of the eighteenth century. Beginning from the interpretation
of the stratifications of the Samnite and Roman gates, the subject of countless views of foreign travellers between
the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this research analyses the issues related to accessibility and the fruition of
the access point, suggesting solutions aimed at its improvement and achieving wider recognition for its significance
within the defensive system.