Arco de la Estrella

Arco de la Estrella is the main gateway into the old walled town of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Extremadura region of Spain. This Baroque archway links the Plaza Mayor with the historic quarter behind the walls and has served for centuries as the principal entry point into the old town.

What does the arch look like?

The most distinctive feature of Arco de la Estrella is its low, angled shape — the passage was built on a skew so that horse-drawn carriages could pass through it, an unusual solution for a city gate at the time. The vault above the opening follows the same slanted geometry, giving the structure an irregular but carefully engineered profile. The whole gate is built in the Baroque style typical of its 18th-century remodel, with the coat of arms of Cáceres mounted above the opening and a small niche on the inner face holding a statue of Our Lady of the Star (Virgen de la Estrella).

Who designed it and when was it built?

A gate already stood on this spot from the 15th century, known then as Puerta Nueva. Its present form dates to a 1726 rebuild, commissioned by a local nobleman who owned a palace next to the nearby Bujaco Tower and wanted easier carriage access to his residence. The redesign was carried out by architect Manuel de Larra Churriguera, a member of a well-known Spanish family of Baroque architects. The result is a genuinely original vaulting solution, still regarded as one of the more inventive pieces of civic Baroque architecture in the region.

What historical events took place here?

The site carries weight beyond its architecture. In 1477, Queen Isabella I of Castile stood at this gate to swear an oath upholding the city's charters and privileges (fueros) — an event that cemented the gate's status as a symbolic landmark rather than a purely functional passage through the walls.

Why is it called the "Arch of the Star"?

The name comes from the image of Our Lady of the Star housed in the niche inside the passage. This Marian devotion was widespread in the region, and the statue became such a recognisable feature of the gate that it eventually gave the whole structure its name, replacing the earlier Puerta Nueva.

How do you get there and what else is nearby?

The arch sits right on the edge of the Plaza Mayor, the square that anchors the newer part of the city, and opens directly onto the narrow stone streets of the old town (Ciudad Monumental). Walking through it brings visitors close to the Plaza de Santa María, within easy reach of the Bujaco Tower, the city's co-cathedral, and a cluster of noble palaces. It works well as a natural starting point for exploring the historic centre on foot, and it's open and free to walk through at any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for Arco de la Estrella? No, it is a public city gate and can be walked through freely at any hour, without a ticket.

How much time should I set aside to see it? Taking in the structure itself only takes a few minutes, though it's worth pausing to look at the unusual vaulting and the statue in the niche before continuing into the old town.

Is it true that scenes from a TV series were filmed here? The old town of Cáceres, including the area around the arch and the Bujaco Tower, was used as a filming location for the seventh season of "Game of Thrones," which draws some visitors specifically looking for the spot.

What's the easiest way to reach the arch? The simplest approach is on foot from the Plaza Mayor — the arch stands just a few steps away, beside the Bujaco Tower, and is clearly visible from the city's main promenade.