This is behind Los Arquillos, between the Head of the Temple of San Miguel and San Vicente Slope. In previous times this was the limit of the mediaeval town. It owes its name to a small alcove in the arched recess of San Miguel where the Vitoria sword upon which the city representatives were sworn in to their posts was kept.
It was also known as "La Plazoleta del Juicio" (Judgement Square), as it is here that death sentences with the garrote were passed.