The Matrera Gate
The only remaining gateway in the
town walls, opening into the Barrio Bajo the lower end of the town. It was the key to the western
defence of the town, and was originally made up of four turrets and a central square section. It
was flanked by two towers, only one of which is still standing, on the left as you go down the
hill. This is known as Traitor´s Tower.
The gateway was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, and it presents
an excellent vantage point from which to view the remains of the old town walls squeezed in between
the houses. From outside the town, the arch is seen to be surrounded by dwellings, above which
rises a small, single vaulted chapel, lit by a lantern and containing a fine statue, recently
restored, of Our Lady, La Virgen del Pilar.
