Dean’s Gate
The other access through which we can enter the interior of the Patio de los Naranjos from the western side, besides the Postigo de la Leche, is the Puerta de los Deanes. The origins of this ancient portico are found in the original Aljama Mosque of Córdoba, built by Abderramán I at the end of the 8th century.
Location and architectural features
The truth is that very little has been preserved of what it once was, mainly due to the numerous restructurings it has undergone. However, we can observe that it presents a very common layout in Muslim construction, where a lintelled access opening is enclosed within a blinded horseshoe arch, itself framed by an alfiz, and the entire ensemble is topped by a stone eave supported by corbels.
However, the most interesting aspect is that the interior face of the gate, the one facing the Patio de los Naranjos, has been preserved. The composition here is very different from the exterior, presenting, as Don Pedro Marfil states: “…a voussoired lintel with a relieving arch above, which does not reach a semicircle, but whose curve is extended, carved into the lintel to simulate a horseshoe shape. Its voussoirs alternate between stone and brick. As archaic features of this gate, the slightly closed horseshoe shape stands out…”.
Origin of the name Puerta de los Deanes
Since Christian times it has been known as the Puerta de los Deanes. The Dean is the person who holds a position of dignity within the Church, with their main role being to preside over the Chapter when the Bishop is absent. From the beginning, the role of the Dean in our city was of great importance, due, among other aspects, to the frequency of their interventions, since bishops often moved around. They frequently traveled to the court and attended all kinds of royal events.
Ceremonial use of the gate
In the past, when a new Dean took office, he would enter the Cathedral through this gate, where he would be met by members of the chapter who, in a most solemn procession, would come to receive him and integrate him into the cortege, to then guide him to the Main Altar and the Choir, the place where he would ultimately be invested as the new Dean of the Mezquita-Catedral. This is the reason why this ancient entrance is known as the Puerta de los Deanes.
Visiting the Puerta de los Deanes
If you’re unsure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Mezquita-Catedral by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special section to the Puerta de los Deanes. Choose quality tourism with qualified staff—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.
Text: J.A.S.C.
The Gate of the Deans is one of the western accesses to the Orange Tree Courtyard of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Its origin dates back to the primitive Aljama Mosque built by Abd ar-Rahman I at the end of the 8th century.
The exterior door features a lintelled opening framed by a bricked horseshoe arch and an alfiz, topped by a stone eaves on corbels. On its inner face, a voussoir lintel with a false horseshoe arch stands out, whose voussoirs alternate between stone and brick.
It is named because, since the Christian era, it was the ceremonial access through which the new Deans entered when they assumed their position in the Cathedral. The Dean presides over the Chapter in the absence of the Bishop, and his role was particularly important in Córdoba.
In the past, the new Dean would enter through this door in a solemn ceremony. There, he was received by the Chapter in procession, which guided him to the Main Altar and the Choir, where he was officially invested as Dean of the Mosque-Cathedral.
Yes, the Gate of the Deans is part of the guided tours of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. These routes give it special attention due to its historical, architectural, and ceremonial value.
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