Modern Remodelling of the South of the Town

In the modern era, the southern  section of the medieval town was intensely remodelled. The objective was to create a large open space, a square, next to the governor’s house. To do this, a section of the wall and also the two houses that occupied the southern end of the Carrer Major  were demolished, creating a large esplanade that extended to the slopes of the new fortress. A portico was also built on the north side, of which the bases of the pillars and a small part of the cobblestone pavement are preserved, connecting the Carrer Major  and the Carrer Nou. On the west side of the square was the governor’s house, and to the east, a new building dedicated to various functions related to the military fortress was constructed, including serving as a residence for some of the main officers.

One of the towers was demolished, but others remained in operation. In the one at the southeast corner, a bell was installed which must have been used as an alarm in case of an attack. At the end of the 18th  century, this tower was also eventually demolished.

1 Aerial view of the space occupied by the new square created in the southern sector of the villa. Governor’s house (1), square and portico (2), military building (3), bell tower (4).
Source: CRAPA.
2 At the end of the 18th century, the building located east of Nueva Street was abandoned, and a small house was built for one of the garrison officers.
Source: CRAPA.
3 Restitution of the area with the governor’s house, the square, and the portico.
Source: J.Sagrera.