The Alcázar Gate is the most solemn element of the whole structure. Opposite the Great Market and next to the restored Homage Tower, it consists of an entrance arch which looks small next to the two immense parallel towers which flank it. These towers are connected at the top by a spectacular bridge which extends beyond the line of the walls. This bridge, like that of the San Vicente Gate, is unique amongst European city walls. Although it might be considered a kind of triumphal arch, there is no doubt that its principal function was to reinforce the defences of the gate. The defensive potential can be understood better if one takes into account that there were other defensive elements which no longer exist today, such as the drawbridge, the ditch or moat, and the barbican. At each end of the entry passage there were wooden, iron plated doors, reinforced with a bar. Between them was dropped the portcullis (a heavy iron grille).