Puerta del Vino

Granada, Spain

Supposedly one of the largest structures in the Alhambra complex, the Wine Gate dates back to Muhammad III. The Wine Gate serves as a one of the main entrances to the Medina of the Alhambra and the Upper Alhambra which gates off the formerly residential and artisan district of the Medina.

The exterior facade, made of primarily sandstone, was likely constructed during the beginning of the 14th century. The pointed horsearch with embossed voussoirs displays an engraving of a key, an important Islamic symbol. The interior facade which was decorated during the reign of Muhammad V, contains tiled spandrels on the top corners of the arch with stucco walls framing the upper windows.