Walking through the Puerta de la Justicia feels like stepping through centuries of history compressed into a single stone archway. This imposing gateway, one of four entrances to Granada's Alhambra, immediately captures your attention with its massive horseshoe arch and the intriguing symbols carved into its facade.

Built during the reign of Yusuf I and completed in 1348, this entrance showcases the sophisticated defensive architecture of the Nasrid period. What strikes me most are the two famous symbols that have sparked countless legends over the centuries. On the outer arch, there's a carved hand representing the five pillars of Islamic law, while above the inner entrance, you'll spot a key with a tassel. Local legend claims that when the hand manages to grasp the key, the Alhambra will fall and the world will end. It's the kind of story that adds an extra layer of mystery to an already fascinating place.

The gateway isn't just about symbolism though. Walking through it, you navigate four interior turns covered by ribbed vaults - a clever defensive design that would have slowed down any unwanted visitors back in the day. Stone seats along the way once accommodated Nasrid guards, and you can still see the five blind arches that frame them.

Above the key, there's a Gothic statue of the Virgin and Child, placed there by the Catholic Monarchs after the conquest. The original fifteenth-century carving by Roberto Alemán now rests safely in Granada's Museum of Fine Arts, while a copy from 1941 watches over visitors today.

What I find particularly interesting is how this space continues to serve ceremonial purposes. During Holy Week, the statue of the Virgin of Anguish passes through this very arch before making its way through the Alhambra's forest - a tradition that bridges the Christian and Islamic heritage of this remarkable site.

The contrast between the red brick and stone construction creates striking visual patterns, especially when afternoon light hits the facade. Standing here, you're not just at another tourist checkpoint but at a threshold where different civilizations left their mark. If you're planning to explore the Alhambra thoroughly, an audio guide can provide deeper insights into the architectural details and historical significance of this remarkable entrance to Granada's most treasured monument.