Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, Medieval fortification in Aigues-Mortes, France.
The Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes form a walled enclosure made of limestone surrounding the medieval town, with multiple towers positioned at intervals for defense. Visitors can walk along the upper pathways of the structure and explore the interior town, experiencing the scale and layout of this fortified settlement.
King Louis IX ordered the construction of these fortifications in the 13th century to establish a Mediterranean port for French crusaders departing on their journeys. Later, the walls protected the growing trade activity as the town developed into an important harbor for regional commerce.
The ramparts serve as a backdrop for local events and gatherings where visitors can experience medieval construction methods firsthand. People from the town and travelers use the pathways along the fortifications to explore the history and enjoy views across the saltwater marshes.
The pathways on the ramparts are accessible on foot and allow for long walks with views of the town and surrounding saltwater marshes. Wear sturdy shoes as the surfaces can be uneven in some areas.
What makes this fortification exceptional is that it remains one of the few completely intact medieval walled enclosures in France. Its nearly rectangular shape and well-preserved structure give visitors a rare view of how an entire medieval fortress town actually appeared and functioned.
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