The Puerta de Elvira, located at the foot of the hill, of which only the arch is currently preserved, was the traditional entrance to the city of Granada and nowadays is the perfect starting point for getting to know the neighborhood. Because of its strategic location, the Puerta de Elvira became a true fortress gate over time.
Its construction represents two historical phases: the Zirí period in the 11th century and the Nasrid period under the rule of Yusuf I (1333-1354). Also in the Nasrid period, the monumental outer arch was erected, resembling the great gates preserved in the mid-14th century, such as the Puerta Rambla (Bab al-Ramla) and the Puerta de la Justicia in the Alhambra (Bab al-Saria).
In 1612 the three guardhouses were demolished, the space in front of the gate was enlarged, and twelve houses were erected next to the wall, which have remained unchanged practically to this day.
During the French occupation, parts of the wall and several iron-plated gates were destroyed, including in 1979 the Iron Gate (bab al-Hadid) also known as Puerta de la Cuesta (bab al-Aqaba), added in the 14th century to communicate the medina with the Albaicín. At the foot of this beautiful monument is the present-day Plaza de San Gil, which during the Muslim era was the Plaza of Hatabin or Leñadores and was one of the busiest squares since it was the focal point of communication between the city, the boroughs, and the Medinas that were on the opposite side of the Darro River.
