Germans' Gate, Medieval fortification gate in Metz, France.
The Germans' Gate spans the Seille with two round towers from around 1230, each capped by a conical roof, and a massive flat-topped ochre tower added in 1445 with a crenellated parapet and small square openings. A wall with an arched gateway links the towers, and the wooden gate leaves are studded with a lattice of square openings and end in downward spikes.
Construction began in 1230 as part of the medieval city walls to control trade routes across the river. Additional towers were added during the 15th century to strengthen defensive capabilities.
The gate is named after the Teutonic Order's hospice, the "Brothers Hospitallers of Our Lady of the Germans," established around 1210 near Saint-Eucaire church. Their hospice was destroyed by François de Guise during the 1552 siege of Metz. The street leading through the gate is still called Rue des Allemands.
The building has limited visiting hours and is not open every day of the week. It's best to check opening times in advance and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the internal stairs and rooms.
The north-east tower holds a double-helix staircase, at least 15th-century in date, that lets two people pass without meeting. On the outer faces of the towers, look for the marks of cannonballs fired during Charles V's siege of 1552. A mutilated Gothic inscription on the right-hand tower as you leave names Henry de Busdorf and de Ranconval as master of the work in 1445.
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