It began as a Roman construction from the first century C.E
It began as a Roman construction from the first century C.E. From this period, we have preserved sections with granite ashlars, as well as the southern gate, or the River Portal, now known as the Arch of Christ.
It was reinforced by the Almohads in the seventeenth century, highlighting the succession of adobe watchtowers on granite ashlars, originating in the Roman wall. Many of these defences can still be seen today.
Of the other three Roman entrances on this very extensive perimeter, two have disappeared--the Coria Portal and Mérida Portal--and the other was transformed into the Arco de la Estrella. At the same time, other accesses were opened, such as the Arch of Saint Anne.
The wall keeps its rectangular structure crossed by the two wide roads--Cardo and Decumano--adapted to the terrain of the land. At their convergence lies the Roman forum, which was in the current Plaza de Santa María.
Recommendations: You can visit the Bujaco Tower and the Púlpitos Tower, linked by a stretch of wall over the Arco de la Estrella.
