Porte Notre-Dame, Medieval gate in Pernes-les-Fontaines, France.
Porte Notre-Dame is a medieval fortification with two semicircular towers framing a central passageway and featuring stone arrow slits and gun ports. The structure connects the outer valley with the historical town center and now serves as the marker for entry into the old quarters.
The gate was built in 1548 with a drawbridge to defend the town. In 1681, the drawbridge was replaced with a permanent stone bridge, changing how people entered the city.
The Notre-Dame-des-Graces Chapel on the bridge before the gate shows where residents have practiced their religious traditions for centuries. This small chapel with its plain style remains part of the daily route when entering the town.
The gate stands at the entrance to the historical center, directly across from the Notre-Dame de Nazareth church, making it easy to explore the old streets. The area is fully accessible on foot and easy to locate from outside.
The towers preserve original gun ports and two cannon-shaped gargoyles on the inner face of the ramparts that visitors often overlook. These details show the builder's craftsmanship and sense of aesthetics.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
