During the Roman era, Carmona had four gates that allowed the walled city to communicate with the outside. Only two of them now remain: la Puerta de Sevilla and la Puerta de Córdoba. This is due to numerous, crucial battles that occurred on our land over the passing of time. In Roman development, these two main gates were connected by the “Cardo Maximus”, the city’s main road axis. This road still remains in the town today, almost unchanged, and provides access to the town through both gates, interconnecting them. Archaeological investigations have shown that the 1st century was a time of economic prosperity for Carmona, which gave rise to the construction of large and important public buildings, including the Puerta de Córdoba. It’s purpose was not only to defend the city, but also served as a means of propaganda. We can observe traces from the different cultures that settled in our town over time on the Puerta de Córdoba. During the Catholic Monarchs’ era the Puerta de Córdoba lost its main defensive function, and therefore, its austere military appearance. It took on the role of controlling products that were produced outside of the wall, acting as customs, therefore taking on the appearance of civil architecture. During the 16th century, Renaissance reforms were carried out and during the 17th century beautiful ornamental motifs were added, such as coats of arms and marble statues, which dignified the gate. However, these additions no longer remain. The baroque appearance was bestowed during Carlos II’s era, with the reforms of 1688. At the end of the 18th century, the last intervention was made by the renowned Neoclassical architect, José Chamorro, native of Carmona. He rebuilt part of the monument and completed the urban ensemble. The floor plan mainly consists of a straight bossed-masonry wall, measuring 10 m high, flanked by two octagonal fortified military towers topped with crenellation from the Roman era. The central opening is finished with a semi-circular vault, whose exterior facade is framed by pairs of Tuscan columns over baluster. There are large false windows are at either side, framed by pilasters and topped by triangular pediments. Adjoining the octagonal towers are other solitary Tuscan columns that support the upper level where there are two coats of arms: one for royalty and the other pertaining to the city. The gate’s interior face is much simpler, lonic and denticular in style. The city’s coat of arms appears on the gate’s upper level. The interior of the main opening preserves an interesting 18th century painting, which represents the Virgen de Gracia, the town’s patron. The latest archaeological investigations, carried out prior to the restoration, discovered that it had two small doors on either side of the main door, which were blocked up during the 2nd century due to political instability, currently inside the adjoining houses. This means that it would have been the only fortified Roman gate with three arches in the whole of Spain.

Address

Address:

C/ Dolores Quintanilla,Carmona

GPS:

37.476566068313, -5.6333697715335

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