Puerta del Losal
A remarkably preserved Arab gate in Ubeda, featuring a stunning horseshoe arch and ancient defensive walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light for photos
Puerta del Losal
Best Time
Golden light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkably preserved Arab gate in Ubeda, featuring a stunning horseshoe arch and ancient defensive walls.
"A beautiful corner of the old city, this Arab gate preserves its towers and walls in perfect condition."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Cobblestone streets abound! Wear comfy shoes for exploring the narrow lanes around the gate.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit during golden hour (early morning/late afternoon) for stunning, atmospheric shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Horseshoe Arch
Main Gate
Marvel at the perfectly preserved double-pointed horseshoe arch, a stunning remnant of Islamic architecture.
Defensive Towers & Walls
Surrounding Gate
Admire the intact towers and walls that once defended this ancient entrance to the city.
Virgin's Niche
Adjacent to Gate
See the niche dedicated to the Virgin, a testament to local devotion and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Old City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Cobblestone streets abound! Wear comfy shoes for exploring the narrow lanes around the gate.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit during golden hour (early morning/late afternoon) for stunning, atmospheric shots.
🚶♀️ Gateway to History
This gate leads into the old walled city; be ready to wander through historic streets.
🌙 Evening Charm
The area is particularly beautiful and atmospheric when lit up at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Cobblestone streets abound! Wear comfy shoes for exploring the narrow lanes around the gate.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit during golden hour (early morning/late afternoon) for stunning, atmospheric shots.
🚶♀️ Gateway to History
This gate leads into the old walled city; be ready to wander through historic streets.
🌙 Evening Charm
The area is particularly beautiful and atmospheric when lit up at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Puerta del Losal as a beautifully preserved historical gateway, highlighting its impressive horseshoe arch and intact defensive structures. It's considered a charming corner of Ubeda's old city, offering a glimpse into its Arab past and a picturesque spot, especially when viewed at night. Some note its historical significance as one of the last remaining Arab doors.
"The only Arab door that remains from the wall of Úbeda. Gate with a double pointed horseshoe arch, it preserves the towers and walls that defend it in perfect condition. It is a very beautiful corner of the old city, through it you can access Cuesta del Losal street and the interior of the walled area of the old city of Úbeda."
Juan de la Cruz Moreno Balboa
"Little remains of the wall of Ubeda but this Arab gate with a double pointed horseshoe arch is worth visiting. Located on a narrow street, it is a very beautiful corner of the city, accessed on foot to Cuesta del Losal street and inside the walled area of the ancient city of Úbeda.
It has an image of the Virgin paid for and cared for by the neighbors to worship the Virgin and prevent that corner from being the owner of evildoers or blasphemous language in the Middle Ages.
The original image was lost in the Civil War."
Pablo Sanchez Carmenado
"It is the most monumental gate of those preserved in the walled enclosure, constituting one of the entrances.
Also known as the Sabiote Gate or the Rosal Gate, it was built by the Christians on top of the deteriorated Islamic walls, whose construction dates back to 852.
The arch above the gate served as a machicolation.
This gate served as access to the San Millán neighborhood.
If you'd like to know more, visit it and discover its importance and the details of its construction in situ."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Puerta del Losal is located within the historic center of Ubeda. It's best accessed on foot as it's situated on narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets. If arriving by car, park in a nearby public parking area and walk to the gate.
While there isn't direct public transport to the gate itself, Ubeda's historic center is walkable from bus stops. Plan to walk from the nearest bus stop into the old town.
The best way is to wander on foot. The gate is a starting point to explore the Cuesta del Losal street and the interior of the walled old city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Puerta del Losal is an outdoor historical monument and is freely accessible to the public at all times.
As an open-air monument, there are no specific opening hours. You can visit Puerta del Losal at any time of day or night.
There is no entrance fee to visit Puerta del Losal. It's a historical landmark that can be admired from the outside.
While the towers and walls are preserved, direct public access to climb them is generally not permitted to ensure their preservation. You can admire them from the street level.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's one of the few remaining Arab gates from Ubeda's ancient wall, featuring a distinctive double-pointed horseshoe arch and well-preserved defensive structures.
The gate leads to Cuesta del Losal street and the historic walled area, offering a glimpse into the old city's layout and architecture.
Absolutely! The unique architecture, especially the horseshoe arch, and the atmospheric narrow streets make it a very photogenic spot, particularly during golden hour.
It's a significant remnant of Ubeda's Islamic past, later built upon by Christians. It served as a key entrance to the San Millán neighborhood.
The main activity is admiring the architecture and imagining its historical role. It's a great spot to start exploring the charming old town.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating a warm and atmospheric glow on the ancient stone.
Try capturing the full horseshoe arch from a distance, and also get closer to detail the stonework and the surrounding walls. Shooting from slightly below can emphasize its grandeur.
No, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be mindful of any residents if you are in a very narrow residential street.
For daytime, a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) will ensure sharpness. In the evening, use a wider aperture and a tripod if possible to capture the ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Combine your visit with a short exploration of the nearby streets. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven. It's a good spot for a quick history lesson before moving on to more interactive family activities in Ubeda.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Tip: Take your time to absorb the atmosphere. Use the gate as a landmark to navigate the charming, labyrinthine streets. Consider bringing a small notebook to jot down observations or sketch the architecture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ubeda's Past
Beyond its architectural significance, the gate holds cultural importance. A niche adjacent to the gate houses an image of the Virgin, cared for by locals. This devotional practice, though the original image was lost, speaks to the enduring connection between the community and this historic site. Visiting Puerta del Losal offers a tangible link to Ubeda's rich past, allowing you to step back in time and appreciate the city's strategic and cultural evolution.
Exploring the area around the gate is an experience in itself. The narrow, winding streets of the old city invite you to get lost and discover hidden corners. It's a perfect starting point for a walking tour of Ubeda's historic center, where every turn reveals more of its ancient charm and architectural beauty.
Capturing the Essence: Photography at Puerta del Losal
Experiment with different perspectives. Stand back to capture the entire gate with its flanking towers and walls, emphasizing its imposing presence. Then, move closer to focus on the intricate details of the stonework and the unique shape of the arch. Shooting from a slightly lower angle can make the gate appear even more monumental. The surrounding narrow streets also offer excellent opportunities for street photography, capturing the essence of Ubeda's historic quarter.
Remember to be respectful of the local environment. While photography is encouraged, be mindful of residents and avoid blocking pathways. A tripod can be invaluable for low-light photography in the evening, allowing you to capture the magical ambiance of the gate illuminated at night.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit