Porte Saint-Michel, City gate in Guérande, France
The Porte Saint-Michel is a medieval city gate from the 15th century in Guérande, built in the Gothic style. Two round towers flank a vaulted passageway, and the outer walls are built from old roof tiles that give the stone a layered, textured look.
The gate was built around 1440-1450, shortly after the destruction of the town in 1342 triggered a major effort to fortify Guérande. Over the following centuries it served as the residence of the town captain, then as a prison during the French Revolution, and later as the town hall until 1954.
The gate stands on the western edge of the walled old town, where the ramparts can be walked. The passage is paved and open to pedestrians, but the wall walk and the towers are reached by stone stairs, so sturdy shoes help. The gate is lit at night and can be seen from outside at any hour.
The gate's passage was closed by two separate drawbridges, one for pedestrians and one for horses and carriages, so each could be raised on its own. A small room inside, once used to store artillery, can still be seen.
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