Porte de la Mercerie, Medieval gate in Rocamadour, France.
Porte de la Mercerie is a fortified passageway with a pointed arch and barrel-vaulted ceiling carved directly into the limestone cliff. It serves as a gateway between the lower quarter and the upper sanctuary area of the religious complex.
The gate was built in the 13th century as part of Rocamadour's fortified defense system against potential attacks. Its construction reflects the need to protect both the religious sanctuary and the commercial activities that sustained the settlement.
The gate's name comes from its location near the former merchant quarter, where traders conducted business along the pilgrimage route. You can still sense this commercial history by standing near the narrow street where goods once moved.
Access is through Rue de la Mercerie, which runs along the southwestern cliff edge of the religious complex. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the stone surfaces are uneven and the route includes steep sections.
A semi-troglodytic tower attached to the gate includes two levels with an unusually narrow lintel door on the first floor. This distinctive design shows how builders creatively adapted the structure to fit the tight space within the cliff face.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
