Puerta de la Justicia

Puerta de la Justicia, also known as the Gate of Justice, is the largest city gate in the Alhambra Complex that opens its way to the palace. It was initially named as Bib-Xarea or Gate of the Law referring to Islamic law or justice. This historical landmark is also known as the Gate of Esplanade or Puerta de la Explanada because of the large esplanade that extends before it.

The notable horseshoe arch in the facade, the artillery bulwark, and a pillar in the middle of the esplanade, the Washington Irving are two prime attractions. They are outside the gate commemorating the centenary death anniversary of the writer and are the major highlights of the place.You can also find Gothic figures inscribed by the Catholic monarchs along with the Islamic symbols of the Key and the Hand in the arches.

The interior of the gate is beautiful and still preserves a part of the original decoration which includes rhombus tile patterns. It consists of three distinct kinds of vaults - a cupola, the main cross-vault, and three additional cross-vaults. Puerta de la Justicia, with its magnificent architecture and historical significance, is one of the main symbols of the Alhambra Complex.

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• Walk into the Alhambra fortress through the city gate Puerta de la Justicia and witness its impressive Spanish Renaissance architecture.
• Marvel at the two elegant arches, the larger one and the smaller one, made of royal white Macael marble at the entrance and the three different types of vaults in the interior.
• See the Islamic symbols of a hand carved in the keystone of the arch and a key in the center of the inner archway above which there is a Gothic figure of Virgin Mary and the Child that was inscribed after the Catholic conquest.
• Visit the Torre de la Justicia or Justice Tower that stands above the gate and witness stunning views of the esplanade extending before it.

By bus: Bus lines 21, 4, C30, and C32 stop near Puerta de la Justicia. You can board a bus on lines C30 and C32 to reach Puerta de la Justicia bus station from where you can walk to the gate in a minute. Alternatively, you can also take lines C31 and C34, alight at Carrera Del Darro 33 - Bañuelo station, and walk to the gate. 

By metro: The nearest metro station to Puerta de la Justicia is the Universidad station. Catch a metro train on line M, Metro de Granada to Universidad from where you can walk to Alhambra gate in 12 minutes.

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