Porte de la monnaie, City gate in Bordeaux, France.
Porte de la Monnaie is a classical city gate in Bordeaux featuring a curved stone archway supported by sturdy pillars and topped with decorative stone elements. The entrance sits modestly along a residential street, providing a simple passage that contrasts with the city's larger monumental gateways.
Construction of this gateway was completed in 1759 under architect André Portier, who designed it to connect the residential neighborhood with the busy port district. It was built during a period when Bordeaux was undergoing significant urban expansion and modernization.
The gate takes its name from a nearby mint workshop that once operated in the area, showing how important currency production was to Bordeaux's economy. The name serves as a reminder of the commercial activity that defined this neighborhood.
The gate sits between Pont de Pierre and Pont Saint-Jean along the Garonne riverbank and is easily accessible from nearby streets. Visitors can enter without stairs, making it comfortable for those with mobility needs.
This is the most understated of Bordeaux's six historic city gates, positioned on a quiet residential street rather than a major thoroughfare. Its low profile makes it easy for visitors to overlook, even though it displays the same level of craftsmanship as the city's more famous gateways.
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