Pilar de Carlos V.

Next to the Puerta de la Justicia, there is an impressive circular artillery bastion. From this bastion, a beautifully carved stone wall descends, notable for its beauty. In this place, there is a jewel of the Granada Renaissance, the Pilar de Carlos V. This masterpiece consists of two sections, with a tripartite composition centered on three spouting mascarons, symbols of the rivers of Granada: Darro, Beiro, and Genil

The second section of the pillar features a cartouche with an inscription dedicated to Emperor Charles V, flanked by pilasters displaying the coats of arms of Burgundy and Lorraine, alongside the Columns of Hercules. All of this culminates in a semicircular attic where the imperial coat of arms is sculpted.

“The wall supporting the pillar displays four medallions carved with mythological figures, including Hercules killing the Hydra of Lerna, the sisters Phrixus and Helle crossing the Hellespont on a ram, Daphne being pursued by Apollo, and Alexander the Great. This architectural ensemble is an impressive testament to Renaissance art in Granada.”