Door of Palmas

The Door of Palmas is a Renaissance city gate in Badajoz with two cylindrical towers joined by a central arched passage and decorative stone detailing. The structure displays the defensive design of the fortifications through its thick columns and carefully planned gateway layout.

Built in 1551, this gate served as the main entrance to Badajoz during border tensions with Portugal. Over time, it became a military checkpoint as conflicts between the countries grew more intense.

The heraldic carvings on the towers show symbols of Spanish royalty and Badajoz, reflecting how the city displayed its power to travelers entering the gates.

The gate is directly accessible from the Puente de Palmas bridge or can be explored through guided walks starting at Plaza Alta. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when sunlight hits the stone surfaces at an angle that reveals the carved details more clearly.

Hidden within the structure is a former chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels that was later converted into a military prison during regional conflicts. This transformation shows how the building's purpose shifted over time based on what the region needed.

Location: Badajoz

GPS coordinates: 38.88050,-6.97560

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41