Between puppets and marionettes 

Known in 1122 as the Gate of Rodrigo Ordoñez, in the middle of the 13th century it acquired its present name because of the nearby church dedicated to St. James. This church no longer exists. The gate connected the upper city with the suburb of San Marcos and led onto the Royal Road of Castile. 

Please note the defensive structure and the interesting architecture, with exterior remains of sculpture and paintings. Sheltered within the arch is the image of the Virgin of the Way (Virgen del Camino). 

Inside, visit the excellent Puppet Collection of Francisco Peralta, considered one of the best puppeteers in Spain, with 38 puppets representing characters from popular ballads, musical plots, classical literature and children's stories. There is also a bookshop on puppetry as well as puppets for children.