Puerta de la Tahona, Granada

City Gate in Granada

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rumomo

The Puerta de la Tahona, or Gate of the Bakery, is one of the most discreet yet historically important internal access gates of the Alcazaba in the Alhambra Complex. Hidden beneath the terrace of the Torre del Cubo in the northeast corner of the fortress, it once served as a controlled passage for people entering the Alhambra via the Puerta de las Armas and moving toward the Nasrid Palaces or the Puerta del Vino. Though modest in appearance, it is one of the must-see places in Granada for travellers fascinated by the military engineering that shaped the fortress.

Similar in form to the interior doors of Puerta de las Armas, the Puerta de la Tahona features two pointed brick horseshoe arches, an iron portcullis, and a walkway above that links surrounding towers. This hidden structure is often overlooked but remains a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that explores the Alhambra's lesser-known defensive and internal routes.

History and Significance of Puerta de la Tahona
Things to See and Do in Puerta de la Tahona
How to Get to Puerta de la Tahona
Practical Tips on Visiting Puerta de la Tahona
Where to Stay close to Puerta de la Tahona
Is Puerta de la Tahona Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Puerta de la Tahona
Nearby Attractions to Puerta de la Tahona

History and Significance of Puerta de la Tahona

The Puerta de la Tahona played a crucial role in managing internal circulation within the Alcazaba. Positioned beside a small tower, it controlled the flow of citizens coming from the Puerta de las Armas, guiding them along the Calle del Foso or Camino de Ronda toward either the Palacio Nazaríes or the Puerta del Vino.

Its name comes from the Arabic word aṭṭaḥuna, meaning bakery. A nearby animal-drawn flour mill inspired this designation, a reminder that the Alhambra was not only a fortress but a living city with its own infrastructure.

The gate's fate changed dramatically in the late 16th century. Felipe II, continuing the military modernisation begun under his father, commissioned Luis Machuca in 1586 to build the artillery bastion that became the Torre del Cubo. This new structure enclosed the old Puerta de la Tahona, effectively burying and obscuring it beneath its platform.

After the opening of the Puerta de los Carros, the Puerta de la Tahona fell into disuse, and the Puerta de las Armas ceased to function as the main entrance. Eventually the Puerta de la Justicia became the primary gateway to the Alhambra.

Its rediscovery came in 1954, when Jesús Bermúdez Pareja identified its remains during extensive restoration work. Francisco Prieto Moreno later restored it to the appearance we see today.

This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra to understand how the fortress adapted across centuries of military and urban evolution.

Things to See and Do in Puerta de la Tahona

Visitors can view the Puerta de la Tahona from below the terrace of the Torre del Cubo. The horseshoe arches—plain but elegant—reflect the practical Islamic military architecture of the period. The iron portcullis is divided into two parts: a fixed upper section and a movable lower half that once secured the passage.

Above the gate, you can observe the walkway connection between the Torre de las Armas, Torre de Mohamed, and the Torre del Cubo. The large wooden platform supporting the Cubo terrace can also be seen from this vantage point, a striking example of early 20th-century restoration work.

How to Get to Puerta de la Tahona

The Puerta de la Tahona is concealed beneath the terrace of the Torre del Cubo in the northeast corner of the Alcazaba. Visitors arriving by air typically fly into Granada Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's train station provides easy rail access from major Spanish cities before heading up to the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, the Alhambra's dedicated parking areas make reaching the Alcazaba straightforward. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Puerta de la Tahona

Suggested tips: Look closely at the arches and portcullis to spot the gate’s defensive design details.
Best time to visit: Midday, when shadows reveal the shapes of the arches under the Cubo terrace.
Entrance fee: The Puerta de la Tahona is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Opening hours: For opening times of the Puerta de la Tahona see Alhambra Opening Times.
Access is normally restricted unless to building forms part of the Space of the Month program.
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 5–10 minutes to view the structure and its architectural context.
Accessibility: Access routes involve uneven ground and steps in the Alcazaba area.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere within the complex.
Photography tip: Capture the gate from the passageway that reveals both arches and the underside of the Cubo platform.
Guided tours: Some Alcazaba-focused tours explain this gate's forgotten role within the fortress.
Nearby food options: Cafés inside the Alhambra and restaurants in the historic centre.

Where to Stay close to Puerta de la Tahona

For proximity to the Alcazaba, the Parador de Granada offers a unique historic setting within the complex. A charming and convenient option is Hotel América. For a modern stay with easy access to the Alhambra, consider Eurostars Washington Irving.

Is Puerta de la Tahona Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for travellers intrigued by the internal workings of the Alhambra's fortification system. While discreet and seldom highlighted, it offers insight into the fortress's circulation routes and the major military transformations that reshaped the Alcazaba.

FAQs for Visiting Puerta de la Tahona

What was the Puerta de la Tahona used for?
It guided movement from the Puerta de las Armas toward the Nasrid Palaces and Puerta del Vino.

Why is it called the Gate of the Bakery?
Because of a nearby flour mill, from the Arabic word aṭṭaḥuna.

Can visitors enter the gate?
No, it is viewed from outside beneath the Torre del Cubo.

What does it look like?
Two pointed brick horseshoe arches with an iron portcullis and an overhead walkway.

When was it rediscovered?
In 1954, during restoration work led by Jesús Bermúdez Pareja.

Nearby Attractions to Puerta de la Tahona

Torre del Cubo: The artillery bastion built over the gate.
Torre de Mohamed: A defensive tower controlling access to the palaces.
Puerta de las Armas: The original main entrance to the Alhambra.
Plaza de los Aljibes: A large esplanade between major palace and fortress areas.
Alcazaba: The oldest military zone of the Alhambra with panoramic views.

The Puerta de la Tahona appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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Visiting Puerta de la Tahona

Hours:

For opening times of the Puerta de la Tahona see Alhambra Opening Times.

Access is normally restricted unless to building forms part of the Space of the Month program.

Price:

The Puerta de la Tahona is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.

Granada: 2 km