Puerta de los Tablero, Granada
Bridge, City Gate and City Walls in Granada
The Puerta de los Tableros, or Gate of the Boards, is one of the most intriguing and little-known remnants of medieval Granada. Standing at the edge of the Alhambra Forest beside the Darro River, it once formed part of the Puente del Cadí-an 11th-century bridge that linked the Alhambra with the Los Axares neighbourhood. Only one of its two original towers survives today, but its strategic purpose, ingenious water-control system, and connection to the Alhambra's northern defences make it one of the best places to visit in Granada for history lovers seeking quieter, atmospheric corners of the city.
This gate was far more than a river crossing. It acted as a defensive mechanism capable of damming the Darro and releasing it suddenly to overturn enemy boats or flush debris from the channel. Approachable along forest paths and viewed from scenic points near the river, it is often visited on walking tours of Granada by those curious about the city's forgotten hydraulic defences.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Puerta de los Tableros
- Things to See and Do in the Puerta de los Tableros
- How to Get to the Puerta de los Tableros
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Puerta de los Tableros
- Where to Stay close to the Puerta de los Tableros
- Is the Puerta de los Tableros Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting the Puerta de los Tableros
- Nearby Attractions to the Puerta de los Tableros
History and Significance of the Puerta de los Tableros
Built in the 11th century by the Cadi of King Badis during the Zirid dynasty, the Puerta de los Tableros formed a key part of the Puente del Cadí. This bridge and gate were vital for controlling access to Granada from the river valley and for maintaining the Darro's watercourse. Its Moorish name, Bib al-Difaf, appears in numerous medieval writings and reveals its long-standing importance.
The gate’s modern name-Gate of the Boards-comes from the wooden boards once used to dam the river. Soldiers could raise or lower these boards to control the Darro’s flow: releasing torrents to disrupt intruders or to clean the river channel of accumulated mud and waste. After the original bridge was demolished in the 17th century, the surviving gate was increasingly used by civilians, eventually becoming associated with the earlier Puente del Cadí.
Although architect and conservator Torres Balbás questioned whether this was the precise bridge mentioned in medieval sources, the surviving tower remains an important historical structure. Today it forms part of the Alhambra's management perimeter and stands as one of the top attractions in Granada for understanding the city's medieval water engineering.
Things to See and Do in the Puerta de los Tableros
Only one tower of the original structure survives: a striking hexagonal tower built of sandstone blocks. Visitors approaching from the Alhambra Forest or the Darro-side paths can examine several original defensive features. At the base of the tower, a walled-up door marks where internal stairs once descended to the river, allowing guards to collect water and operate the gate mechanisms.
Grooves, slots, and openings in the stone give clues to how the portcullis and boards were raised or lowered. Historical descriptions note that the structure once included two towers-one on each side of the river-connected by a horseshoe arch with an iron portcullis. Beneath this, bars in the riverbed allowed water to pass while preventing intruders from swimming or wading through.
Look across the forested hillside to imagine the coracha that once linked this gate to the Puerta de las Armas. These long defensive walls protected access to vital water sources and are unique to the Iberian Peninsula. For travellers who enjoy finding hidden historical relics, the Puerta de los Tableros is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada, offering evocative views of the Albaycín and the Darro valley.
How to Get to the Puerta de los Tableros
The nearest airports are Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport and Málaga Airport, both serving national and international routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's main railway station connects the city with Madrid, Málaga, Córdoba, and Seville. From the station, buses and taxis can bring visitors to Plaza Nueva or the lower forest paths that lead toward the site. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Travelling by car is possible, with parking available around central Granada or at designated Alhambra car parks. From these points, it is a pleasant walk through riverside paths or forested slopes to reach the remaining tower. 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.
The Puerta de los Tableros stands near the Darro River at the edge of the Alhambra Forest, below the northern ramparts of the complex.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Puerta de los Tableros
- Best time to visit the Puerta de los Tableros: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter paths and softer light along the Darro.
- Entrance fee:
- Opening hours:
- Official website:
- How long to spend: Around 10-15 minutes to view the tower from nearby paths.
- Accessibility: Paths may be uneven, narrow, or sloping; caution advised.
- Facilities: Restaurants and cafés available in Plaza Nueva and the lower Albaicín.
- Photography tip: Photograph the hexagonal tower from across the river to show its full structure.
- Guided tours: Some specialist Alhambra or Darro River tours mention the site.
- Nearby food options: Plenty of tapas bars and cafés in the Albaicín and along the Carrera del Darro.
Where to Stay close to the Puerta de los Tableros
Hotels in the lower Albaicín or around Plaza Nueva offer the easiest access to the Puerta de los Tableros and its surrounding forest paths. Boutique guesthouses overlooking the Darro provide atmospheric views, while central Granada hotels combine comfort with a short walk to the riverside trails that lead to this historic tower.
Is the Puerta de los Tableros Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Puerta de los Tableros is worth visiting if you enjoy discovering lesser-known historic remains. Its hexagonal tower, river-control features, and connection to the lost Puente del Cadí make it one of the things to do in Granada for travellers fascinated by medieval engineering and hidden corners of the Alhambra's landscape.
What Other Travellers Say...
Puente del Cadi on Carrera del Darro in Granada is a pleasant spot in the Centro area that visitors describe as lovely and cool, though often crowded; some note a steep, lively walk to reach it.
FAQs for Visiting the Puerta de los Tableros
Nearby Attractions to the Puerta de los Tableros
- Puerta de las Armas - The main medieval gateway connecting the city to the Alhambra.
- Torres Bermejas - Impressive defensive towers overlooking the city.
- Carrera del Darro - One of Granada's most scenic riverside walks.
- Albaycín - Historic hillside district with magnificent Alhambra views.
- Puerta de la Justicia - The grand horseshoe-arched southern entrance to the Alhambra.
The Puerta de los Tablero appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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