During the 14th century both the climax and the downfall of the free comune of Perugia took place. Its expansion necessitated the construction of a second city wall to protect the suburbs, producing the city's characteristic star-shaped plan. This gate stands at the end of Corso Garibaldi, the main street of part of the city that was surrounded by walls between the 13th and 14th century. In 1479 a massive donjon was erected to surmount the gate.