Puerta Antigua de Bisagra (The Old Bisagra Gate)

Phone: 925220843

Fax: 925252648

Website: www.toledoweb.org/monu...

Type of monument

Civil Architecture

History

Named thus because of its original name Bib-xacra, according to 12th century texts, which signifies "The Gate of La Sagra".

It was the main entrance to the city and is of Moorish origin, from the 9th century. Its frontal structure is preserved almost intact as it was sealed up for many years following the opening of the new Puerta de Bisagra in the times of Carlos V.

Period

9th century.

Art style

Islamic.

How to get there

Road transport

It corresponds to an enlargement of the walled area of the city and is a good example of Moorish military architecture due to the good decision to place it to operate as a tower in the re-entrant angle of the wall, closely protected by a high tower. It is the only remaining part of the Moorish wall that is still preserved.

It is rectangular in shape with an entry arch lined by four projecting arches.

The outer façade has a Caliphic-style horseshoe arch framed by a large surround and crossed by an enormous monolithic lintel in which Byzantine influences have been noted. The poorly shaped granite blocks have led to the belief that the materials were salvaged from previous works that had been demolished. Above the arch, a line of embrasures also served for defence.

Its upper part, of brick and masonry, is a Mudejar addition, possibly from the 10th century, although others think that it could correspond to the century before, based on the chronicle that states that in 838 the head of Wali Hixem el-Atiki was stuck on it. It is formed by three horseshoe arches, the central higher than the lateral ones, a defensive gallery with windows looking outwards and above it a parapet walkway with battlements.

The small shutter on the right, next to the wall, could have served as a narrow entrance that an emissary could use to leave or enter without the need to open the main gate.

Timetables

Free.