Dermatas Gate: the Gate that did not cost much

On the coastal front of the fortification, between St. Andreas and Sabbionara bastions, the Gate leading to the sandy bay of Dermatas is found. It was named after the numerous nearby leather workshops (“leather” in Greek: Δέρμα) but it is also called Giudecca or Judaica or Evraiki (that is, Jewish), because the Jewish Quarter was located near it in the northwest part of the fortified area. Dermatas Gate was built between 1590-1595, and at quite a low cost: just 100 zecchini (golden venetian currency), because the Venetians used stones which had come from demolished houses and employed aggarikous, that is, peasants who performed forced labour. Despite its low budget, Dermatas Gate was an elaborate construction. The doorframe of its entrance from the sea was simple, but its facade to the interior of the city was of monumental characteristics. Its tall, arch-shaped central doorframe was crowned by a pediment, at the centre of which there was an embossed plaque with the winged Lion of St. Mark. The architectural composition brought to mind the imposing Gate of Jesus. In terms of design, Dermatas Gate differed from the other coastal Gates. It consisted of three separate sections: the central vaulted passage and two adjacent, rectangle spaces. The latter did not communicate with the city but only with the central passage through two large arch-shaped openings. The years after the end of WWII changed the whole of the city and affected Dermatas Gate. Its monumental façade, as well as its entire southern part, was demolished. Skordylon Street replaced the Gate. The remaining part of the Gate was extended to the sea and was used to backfilling works during the widening of the coastal road.