Arco del Postigo del Aceite

Located in Seville, the Arco del Postigo del Aceite is one of the three existing gates in the old Arab wall. It dates from 1107, in the times of Ben Yusuf, although it was refurbished by Benvenuto Tortello in the sixteenth century. The wall continued across the present-day Plaza del Cabildo, which still has an old part of the wall.

In the 12th century it had a different function. It was known as bad al-Qatay (the Gate of the Boats), as the shipyards for building ships stood next to it. Later, it is referred to in certain sources as the Puerta de la Alhóndiga (Gate of the Corn), Puerta del Aceite (Gate of the Oil) or Puerta de la Aceituna (Gate of the Olives), according to tradition - as these products entered the city through this gate.

On the interior of the Postigo, on the arch, our attention is drawn by a stone representation of Saint Fernando, with bishops Isidoro and Leandro. Beneath it is a stone referring to Tortello's refurbishment. Inside the arch we can see the rails where wooden boards were placed to protect against the constant flooding of the river.

In the 18th century a small chapel was built on the right side, inside the walls, in which the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is venerated. It is attributed to Pedro Roldán. This is a an excellent spot in which to watch the holy Week processions.