La Puerta del Mar (or Gateway to the Sea) was built in 1946 in imitation of the city gate that stood on the same site. The original was built in 1801 and demolished in 1867, along with a large part of the original Christian city wall. The gate replaced a medieval one which was actually situated nearer to the river. Both were inspired in the triumphal arches of the Romans.The area has seen centuries of conflict. The first Bourbon king, Felipe V ordered a citadel to be built here in 1707 with the cannons pointing towards the city as a reminder to Valencians that they had backed the wrong side in the Spanish war of Succession.Demolition of the citadel began when Napoleon’s troops abandoned the city and was finally completed as late as 1960.