As the name indicates, the little church of Our Lady of the Portella (small gate) is situated on the outskirts of the town of Cervara di Roma. It stands in an isolated position dominating the Amene Valley on the ancient road leading to Subiaco which was used to move livestock to pasture.
The rural church was probably built between 1514 and 1569 and instituted in 1702 by the Jesuit Fathers 'in occasion of the holy missions undertaken in the area'.
It is not the only church maintained by a Confraternity, and is officiated on the appropriate feast day for the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name of Mary. An ancient, terracotta statue of the Virgin and Child is venerated in the church.
The single chamber church, very simple and sober in its structure and decoration, is too small for services.