Arco del Cristo (Cáceres)

Picture: Wikimedia Commons
 

The Arco del Cristo, also known as the River Gate or the Concejo Gate, was the old monumental gate of the city. It was built in the first century and currently provides access to the intramural neighbourhood through the east wall.

It is the oldest gate in Caceres and one of the few relics that still exist from the ancient Roman colony Norba Caesarina. The arch's original Roman ashlars remain intact.

The arch is created by the conjunction of two semicircular arches that form a tunnel in the middle of the wall. At the top of the interior arch is a niche, created in the 19th century, with a portrait of Christ, accounting for its name.

The nickname of "River Gate" is due to the fact that on the other side of the wall is the valley of the Marco stream and the River Tower, one of the old defensive turrets that still stands. In popular speech, it was easy to create visual images by referring to said defensive tower.

On the other hand, the nickname "Concejo Gate" dates from the 15th century when a huge fountain was built very close to the arch. It immediately became a meeting point for the people of Caceres due to its importance and location. Council meetings were held in the arco, and with the passage of time, it acquired this peculiar nickname.