Description of the attraction
The Puerta de Elvira is one of the gates that have survived to this day and were once part of the fortress wall that surrounded Albayzin and provided it with protection from invasions. The Puerta de Elvira gate was built in the 11th century during the reign of the emir from the Zirid dynasty and was the main gateway to the city during the Muslim rule in Granada.
The gate is located on one of the most ancient and one of the most interesting squares in Granada - Triumphal Square, named after the end of the reconquest and the victory of the Spanish Catholic monarchs in it. It is believed that it was through these gates that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella entered Granada, liberated from Arab rule.
For a long time, the appearance of the Puerta de Elvira gate has changed significantly. For example, during the reign of Yusuf I, who belonged to the Nazarid dynasty, the gate was transformed into a separate fortress, consisting of four towers and three pillars, built of stone, and having an entrance from two doors covered with iron. In 1612, the gate received a number of transformations - twelve houses were added to their walls, the pillars were destroyed, and the road leading to the gate was paved with stone. In the 19th century, during the occupation by the French, part of the gate wall was severely destroyed, the iron covering on the doors was destroyed.
The gate was restored several times throughout the 20th century - in 1902, 1957 and 1990. Since 2001, restoration work has been carried out here again.
In 1896, the Puerta de Elvira was awarded the status of a National Historical and Architectural Monument of Spain.
