Medieval walls

It is an excellent demonstration of feudal power as it has a perimeter of more than 800 metres with a number of towers and gates. The New Gate has a rounded arch with the shields of the counts of Lemos. The Alcazaba gate, which is older than the New Gate, leads from the inner city to the River Cabe and the medieval bridge. At one point it was known as the Fisheries Gate as there were stalls selling meat and fish nearby, as well as a market with all kinds of products.

Inside the walls a Jewish community was set up that was one of the most numerous in Galicia, turning the medieval town of Monforte into a Jewish quarter. The Jewish community traded in silk, cloth, silver goods and more. Many were doctors or lawyers, with premises on the streets named Falagueira, A Calexa, Pescaderías, Zapaterías, etc.

Calle Falaqueira is one of the most important streets historically, and one of the most picturesque. It runs between the Alcazaba Gate and the New Gate, so that it was the main thoroughfare of the medieval city. On this street is the Gaibor house, belonging to one of the most important Jewish families that lived in Monforte. Near the bottom of Calle Zapaterías is the building that used to be the jail, currently used as offices.

The area offers delightful views of Monforte.