Puerta de Tierra (Earth Gate), Cadiz
Earth Gate (Puerta de Tierra) is a significant cultural and historical landmark in Cádiz. It stands at the entrance of the old town and holds great value as a heritage site. The gate was built during the 16th century, replacing the old medieval walls, which could no longer accommodate the city's growth. In 1574, two bastions were added to the gate for further protection. It was in the 18th century that the gate gained its final appearance.
The central feature of the Earth Gate is a low tower surrounded by a marble frontispiece, which was built in 1756. The frontispiece is adorned with the royal shield, the coat of arms of the city, and a military allegory. The building's facade was later enhanced with a magnificent marble portico in the form of a triumphal arch, designed by architect Torcuato Cayón.
During the early 20th century, there were proposals to demolish the entire complex due to its extension outside the walls. However, instead of being demolished, the moats were covered, and two large arches were created to allow the passage of vehicles. Two marble obelisks were also placed in the central square at the entrance of the city's port, dedicated to Cádiz's patron saints, San Servando and San Germán, and are examples of Baroque art.
Apart from the central vault, tower, and upper promenade, the Earth Gate also houses the Lithographic Workshop Museum and the Ibero-American Puppet Museum, which displays the city's culture and history, making it an excellent destination for tourists interested in the city's heritage.
The central feature of the Earth Gate is a low tower surrounded by a marble frontispiece, which was built in 1756. The frontispiece is adorned with the royal shield, the coat of arms of the city, and a military allegory. The building's facade was later enhanced with a magnificent marble portico in the form of a triumphal arch, designed by architect Torcuato Cayón.
During the early 20th century, there were proposals to demolish the entire complex due to its extension outside the walls. However, instead of being demolished, the moats were covered, and two large arches were created to allow the passage of vehicles. Two marble obelisks were also placed in the central square at the entrance of the city's port, dedicated to Cádiz's patron saints, San Servando and San Germán, and are examples of Baroque art.
Apart from the central vault, tower, and upper promenade, the Earth Gate also houses the Lithographic Workshop Museum and the Ibero-American Puppet Museum, which displays the city's culture and history, making it an excellent destination for tourists interested in the city's heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cadiz. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Puerta de Tierra (Earth Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Puerta de Tierra (Earth Gate)
Sight Location: Cadiz, Spain (See walking tours in Cadiz)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cadiz, Spain (See walking tours in Cadiz)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cadiz, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Cadiz
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cadiz is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cadiz's Plazas Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the silver cup" for its location on a small peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, in southwestern Spain, the coastal city of Cadiz indeed resembles a small silver cup and has a unique urban layout and architecture.
Cadiz's architectural scene is a blend of various styles and influences, such as Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassical, reflecting its rich history and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cadiz's architectural scene is a blend of various styles and influences, such as Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassical, reflecting its rich history and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cadiz's Old Fortifications Walking Tour
"Cadiz is a silver cup, surrounded by walls and kissed by the sea," goes the expression highlighting the city's unique location and historic fortifications. Indeed, throughout its more than 3,000-year-long history, Cadiz has been fortified numerous times to ward off naval attacks and invasions by land.
After Christopher Columbus launched his second and fourth voyages to the New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
After Christopher Columbus launched his second and fourth voyages to the New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Cadiz Introduction Walking Tour
Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Some say Cadiz was founded by Hercules after performing his tenth labor, wherein he slew Geryon, the three-headed monster, and stole his herd of red cattle. Others say no. They say the city was founded by Phoenician seafarers who beached their black ships on the sandy island of Erytheia three thousand years ago.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles