Románico Zamora

Betrayal Wicket-Gate

11th century

In Spanish it is called "Portillo de la Traición", but now it is also called “Portillo de la Lealtad” though, what means the gate of Allegiance. According to tradition, this is the wicket gate trough which, Bellido Dolfos entered the city after killing the King Sancho II the Strong being chased by El Cid, in 1072. 

It is one of the gates of the first walled enclosure, and is situated in the gardens of the Castle, between the Cathedral and the Church of San Isidoro. More than for its artistic value it is remembered for its historical value. Currently can be gone through it, since it links one part of the city to another and its condition is perfect.

It is tall, narrow and surrounded by vegetation. This semicircular arch rises above a ravine, in one of the most rugged sections of the walls perimeter.

The story that marks this wicket gate is based on The Ballads of Zamora. Ferdinad I of Castile wished to share his kingdom among his children when he died, but according to tradition, the whole kingdom must belong to the eldest son, who was "Don Sancho" in this case. He refused to accept the will, and snatched Galicia to his brother "Don García", making him prisoner. His brother Alfonso VI had to flee from León to Toledo and after taking Toro which belonged to his sister "Doña Elvira", he besieged Zamora which belonged to his sister "Doña Urraca".

But when the living conditions became difficult, a Galician called "Vellido Dolfos" who was there, came out the city and declared himself a vassal of the King, who took him under his wing. One day, under the pretext of showing the king a door through which accessing Zamora and breaking its fence, he walked away with him from the army camp with no other company. The king felt a sudden need and got down off his horse to give his dagger to "Vellido Dolfos", who in that moment seized the opportunity to sink it in his chest and galloped towards the wicket gate. The Cid witnessed the escape from far and mounted his horse, but could not reach him. The king died soon after at the camp, accusing the Galician of his death, and then Castilian, with no king, lifted the siege of Zamora.

ADDRESS

It is located at 27 De la Vega Street.

To view the entire route from your position to the monument, you can click on the Google icon located on the lower left corner of the map.

OPENING HOURS AND VISITS

Free entrance.

GENERAL INTEREST SERVICES

Tourist offices: 

- Local tourist office: It is located at 5, Arias Gonzalo Square. Tel. +34 980 533 694

- Castilla y León tourist office: It is located at 1, Príncipe de Asturias Avenue. Tel. +34 980 531 845

- Provincial tourist office: It is located at Viriato Square. Tel. +34 980 534 047

Local police: Tel. +34 980 531 245

Civil Guard (police with responsibilities outside towns): Tel. +34 980 521 100

Emergency telephone numbers: 112

- Virgen de la Concha (Hospital): Tel. +34 980 548 212

Bus station: Tel. +34 980 521 281

Train station: Tel. +34 980 521 110

Taxi: Tel. +34 630 630 630 

Civil defence: Tel. +34 980 536 190