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Cartagena reopens the emblematic Puerta de Socorro gate
The extensive renovations have unearthed valuable 19th century military equipment
After a full-scale archaeological and architectural renovation, Cartagena reopened the emblematic Puerta de Socorro gate on Tuesday April 1. The meticulous work has restored this 18th-century postern gate to its former glory, complete with its original height and limestone pavement.
And the project unearthed a rare and unexpected find: several pieces of 19th century ammunition and military equipment.
As the Councillor for Archaeological Heritage, Pablo Braqueháis, explained, the work has extended the opening that connects to Cuesta del Batel by almost a metre, down to its original base, and the restoration of the original limestone slab pavement, hidden under a metre of debris accumulated over more than two centuries.The new height of the door, which starts much closer to the level of the park, now ensures accessibility with a gently sloping ramp.
The interior floor of the postern gate, covered by slabs with blunt edges and noticeable wear, still bears the marks of the passage of carts and other primitive vehicles, used in past centuries for transportation and the defence of the city.
The original floor was hidden after the War of Independence and covered up by various 20th-century renovations, including those carried out in 1998 to renovate the Cuesta del Batel. Recent archaeological investigations have also documented the existence of an underlying historic channel, as well as remains of 19th-century military activity, such as bullet holes and structures related to its use as a shooting gallery.The restoration project, led by architect Juan de Dios de la Hoz, has not only restored the gate but also re-established the pedestrian connection between Cuesta del Batel and the former Hospital de Marina, now the headquarters of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena.
The project included some clever interventions, such as reinforcing the barrel vault, adding monument lighting and recreating an interior glacis with a railing.
The renovations were a significant undertaking, with an investment of €121,338.01 and a duration of approximately six months. The municipal technical team worked closely with the company SALMER to bring the project to life.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
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