First the Romans and then the Arabs had a gate here along the north bank of the Guadalquivir River into the city’s eastern section. In 1572, Alonso Gonzalez de Arteaga commissioned a new one. The work was performed by Hernán Ruiz III. He was the son of Andalusia’s most prolific architect during the first half of the 16th century. In the early 1900’s, Bridge Gate was transformed when the old city walls were removed. The Renaissance design of Puerta de Puente features four, fluted Doric columns plus pilasters. The center relief shows soldiers flanking the coat of arms of Phillip II. At various times during the 16th century, Felipe II was the King of Spain, Portugal, England and Ireland.
