Porte Malbec, Medieval gate in Rocamadour, France
Porte Malbec is a medieval city gate in Rocamadour featuring a prominent tower above the entrance and an arched passageway built from carefully cut stone. The structure serves as one of the main access points to the historic old town and shows the typical design of a fortified entrance.
The gate was built in the 13th century and remains the only city gate in Rocamadour that has kept its original tower structure. It has survived centuries of change while maintaining its essential character despite later modifications.
The gate's name reflects the medieval history of the settlement and serves as a natural meeting point when walking through the narrow old streets. It shapes how visitors experience the passage through different parts of the historic center.
The gate sits along Rue Roland Le Preux, the main street through town, and can be easily reached on foot. Visitors should expect narrow passages and uneven surfaces typical of the steep medieval settlement.
A spiral staircase tower was added later and blends seamlessly with the original medieval structure. This addition demonstrates how the gate adapted to different needs across the centuries while keeping its fundamental identity.
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