Gates of Alhaken II

We have decided to devote a small section to the three doorways that close the western wall of the Mosque–Cathedral. Originally, all three provided access to the prayer hall built by the Caliph Alhaken II in the second half of the 10th century, which is why we have chosen to address them as a whole.

Gate of the Holy Spirit and Gate of Saint Ildefonso

The first of these is the Gate of the Holy Spirit. This entrance remained sealed until the beginning of the 20th century, when Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, assisted by the sculptor Mateo Inurria, undertook its restoration in order to restore its original splendor. Very similar is the Gate of Saint Ildefonso, located further south; in fact, if we look closely, the compositional schemes are almost identical.

The lintelled doorway with a relieving horseshoe arch and alfiz becomes a dominant feature along the western wall, although above these we now find a series of interlaced blind horseshoe arches, lending the ensemble greater dynamism. Flanking both doorways are latticed screens decorated with interwoven geometric elements, each framed by polylobed arches.

The Palace Postern

Between the aforementioned gates stands the one catalogued by Miguel Salcedo Hierro as the gateway of the three names, in reference to the three names the entrance has received throughout its long history. It has been known as the Gate of Saint Peter, due to its proximity to the former Chapel of Saint Peter and Saint Lawrence, and also as the Dove Gate, the dove being considered a sacred animal in Islam, as it is believed that doves gathered to protect Muhammad during his Hijra from Mecca to Medina.

The third name by which this entrance has been known, and the one most commonly used today, is Palace Postern, undoubtedly due to its proximity to the Episcopal Palace. In terms of its composition, it is one of the most interesting gates, as Muslim elements (horseshoe arch, alfiz…) and Christian ones (gable, finial, mouldings…) are skilfully interwoven, endowing the whole with great harmony and remarkable originality.

The Caliphal Sabat

If we look closely, these last three doorways are flanked by large buttresses, and the distance between them is similar. However, the distance between the next two is much smaller, just enough to allow for the installation of a small access opening, whose location at first glance seems to make little sense.

The distance between the two buttresses corresponds to the width of the passageway or Sabat, which the Caliph used to enter and leave the temple in complete privacy. The small opening we see is its exterior door, which connected to a small bridge that, destroyed at the beginning of the 17th century, linked the Mosque with the Umayyad Alcázar.

Guided tours

If you would like to discover the Gates of Alhaken and, by extension, the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you have chosen to enjoy tourism in Córdoba, choose a quality option—choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.