Arquillo de la Pescadería

477

Islamic gateway, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest

The Islamic, and more specifically Almohad, origin of the so-called Puerta del Arquillo, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985, has been confirmed. This structure would be militarily related to the rest of the Islamic wall, and to the nearby Alcazar moat.

This gateway led into the walled, tower-gate type compound with an angled axis and a double curve, first to the left and then to the right. The access to its interior was through the so-called Transit 1, with a façade perpendicular to the wall, forcing anyone entering the compound to reveal their unprotected right side.
To enter this fortress itself, one would first have to pass through this door that had three of its four flanks protected. The Medina was reached after turning 90° to the right and passing through Transit 2. Interestingly, its location opposite the 90° angle to the right provided greater protection when it was accessed.

The current external aspect and the direct entrance system are due to a major renovation carried out when the municipal granary was built on the upper floor, probably in the 18th century. The last significant intervention took place in the late 19th century or early 20th century when the outbuildings were built, and it became a Guardia Civil garrison.

Labels

ACI (Asset of Cultural Interest)