Closed Door

Also called Puerta de la Barbería (Barber's Gate). Located on the southern flank of the Walled Enclosure, as its name indicates, this gate must have been walled up for centuries because of the serious danger it posed, since it gave access to the road that led to the sea. The well-known Puerta Cerrada is located in the neighborhood of the Jewish quarter and in front of the Almaraz ravine. From the height of the small tower that served as access to the parapet and the coastal walkway, the Atlantic coast and the marshes of Barbate could be seen. These two factors, the Jewish quarter and its proximity to the coast could have determined the closure of this gate from the end of the Middle Ages until well into the 18th century. Indeed, the possible coalition of Jews with Muslims from beyond aroused fear in coastal towns that resulted in measures of this kind. It seems that at the end of the 17th century an arch was opened in the wall of Judería street to connect with Juan Bueno street, known as Arco de Santa Catalina, recently restored. In the rehabilitation campaign of the historic center, in 1977, the remains of the door were discovered, the beginning of the entrance arch was restored and its existence was made evident in the pavement. A semicircular brick arch was replaced, which testifies to the original closed doorway. At the time, the architect in charge of the rehabilitation stated the possibility of demolishing a small room that served as a stable in front of the Puerta Cerrada, leaving this space free as it should be in its original state. Crossing the Arch of Puerta Cerrada or the Barbería you will find the viewpoint and the statue of the Cobijada.