I took a photo of this little street in Segovia for one reason – it’s name. I mean, look at the street. I’m standing at one end taking the photo so you can tell it’s a pretty small street. I don’t think the buildings on either side of it would entice you to go and explore it, but the cobblestones are attractive, and, probably more than anything that arch at the end looks very inviting. Which is interesting because seeing the arch, which invites you to pass through it, and seeing the countryside rising up the hillside beyond it is definitely tempting. But the truth is there are wonderful views of the countryside all around Segovia.
Here’s what caught me and convinced me to take this photo.
Now I don’t speak much Spanish but I know that this is the street name – and that the name is “Street of the Moon Gate”.
Street of the gate of the moon!! I mean, how can you read this and not feel your curiosity and your imagination start to stir! That archway at the other end of the street was probably where the original gate into the old town was. But why was it called after the moon? Was it the gate to enter by moonlight when you hoped not to be noticed? (actually you are less likely to be noticed on a moonless night)
I don’t know. Maybe one of you does. If you do, please let me know what you’ve found out. There is a Sun Gate in Segovia, but the other gates are all named after Christian saints.
However, here’s my point. It’s the name which caught my attention. It’s the name which has stimulated my curiosity and fires my imagination. I’m sure there must be stories set in Segovia which mention this gate, but if there aren’t, maybe I’ll try and write one!
Have you come across any places where the name made the location special?
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