2-370-322 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

The Virgin of the Star, Star Arch (Arch de la Estrella), Caceres, Spain, 2007. Detail. This gate-arch was built in 1726 by Manuel de Larra Churriguera on the site of a 15th century gate known as the Puerta Nueva [New Gate]. The opening has a skew to allow carriages to pass through. On top of the arch, on the side facing the Main Square, there is a shield with the emblem of the city on a stone panel commemorating its construction. On the other side, facing towards Plaza de Santa Maria, there is a Baroque niche with a stone statue of the Virgin of the Star and a lantern in the shape of a star, over the crowned coat of arms of the Carvajal family.