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Turret of the City Gate (Torreão da Porta da Cidade) in Silves

History

The Turret of the City Gate sits beside the Silves Town Hall. In Portuguese, this city gate is known as Torreão da Porta da Cidade. It is the only one surviving door of the four doorways to the old Muslim medina. The stairs which are next to red structure were not part of the original structure. 
This gate would provide access to the upper parts of the city, including it’s main mosque and castle in the past. It was built around 12th or 13th century, the construction style of this gate is similar to those ones in Morocco. The red sandstone, same material as the Castle of Silves was used to build this gate. Inside the gate, another entrance provides access to the lower parts of the city and there is a strong possibility that this access was opened at a later stage.

Facade of the Turret of the City Gate in Silves
A street next to the old medina gate
This is the inner arch of the door which provided access to city in the past
This side of the arch opened outside the city walls
This side of the arch opened outside the city walls
Another look at the city arch (inner arch)
Another look at the city arch (inner arch)
The stones has become very slippery due to high usage
The stones has become very slippery due to high usage
An arch which provides access to the upper parts of the city
An arch which provides access to the upper parts of the city
The second entrance provides access to the lower parts of the city
The second entrance provides access to the lower parts of the city
Ceiling of the Turret of the City Gate in Silves
An elderly couple is passing under the arch of the City Gate from outside
An elderly couple is passing under the arch of the City Gate from outside

This magnificently tall structure has seen many centuries but still stands very strong. It gives an impression due to it’s structure that someone had just planted it for fun. In reality, it is a part of the Muslim heritage in Portugal. My understanding was that upper part of this building was being used as the Municipal Library but this sign says university. A pillory stands in front of the City Gate, this stone monument has been rebuilt from 16th century remains. Pillory was used to tie the criminals to it, so they can be used as a example to deter people from crimes.

A pillory stands in front of the City Gate
Stairs provide access to the upper parts of the City Gate
A sign at the gate of the door at the top of the stairs
A corner of the gate where two arches meet
A side view of the City Gate
This photo was taken at the back of the museum and it shows a stork's nest on the top
This photo was taken at the back of the museum and it shows a stork's nest on the top
A side view of the pillory - Turret of the City Gate Silves
A side view of the pillory - Turret of the City Gate Silves
Looking at the pillory, gate and some parts of the walls
A small square in front of the City Gate, in the distance, red defensive wall can be seen
A small square in front of the City Gate, in the distance, red defensive wall can be seen
Rooftops of Silves from the upper part of the gate
It was a hot day and most people were sitting inside the cafes
It was a hot day and most people were sitting inside the cafes