Rivotte Gate, Medieval city gate in Besançon, France
Rivotte Gate is a medieval city gate in Besançon featuring two circular stone towers positioned at the entrance to the old district near the Doubs River. The twin towers frame a passage that remains the recognizable landmark of this historical gateway.
The gate was built between the 16th and 17th centuries as a fortified entrance to protect the city. Its construction was part of the defensive strategy that shaped Besançon's borders during that period.
The gate shows Renaissance and Baroque design features that reflect French military building traditions of that era. For centuries, merchants and travelers passed through here to enter or leave the protected city.
The gate is located near the old city center and is easily accessible on foot from downtown Besançon. The site offers good vantage points to observe both the fortification and the surroundings.
The two towers bear visible marks of repairs and modifications from different periods, showing their long history on the city walls. These traces reveal how the fortification was repeatedly adapted and rebuilt to meet changing defense needs.
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