Porte Chaussée

Verdun, France

This fortified gatehouse served as the official entry to the city ever since its construction in the 14th century, as part of the Grand Rampart which surrounded Verdun in the Middle Ages. The gatehouse was offered to the city by Wautrec, a rich citizen who was an alderman. It symbolised the new status of Verdun which was made an “imperial free city” in 1374. By this the city was obliged to maintain its own ramparts and to look to its own defence in the case of an attack.

Address

Rue Chaussée 2, Verdun, France

See all sites in Verdun

Details

Founded: 1380
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Valois Dynasty and Hundred Year's War (France)

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Fort Douaumont (7,2 km)
Verdun Cathedral (0,4 km)
Douaumont Ossuary (5,7 km)
Fort Vaux (7,4 km)
Verdun Memorial (5 km)
St Paul Abbey (0,2 km)

Longwy Fortress (48,6 km)
Orval Abbey (53,2 km)
Trois-Fontaines Abbey (58,7 km)
Avioth Basilica (45 km)
Citadelle de Montmédy (39,6 km)
Montsec American Monument (38,5 km)
Château de Hattonchâtel (29,9 km)
Saint-Étienne Church (46,8 km)
Saint-Mihiel Abbey (32,4 km)

User Reviews

Michael Dalbke (3 years ago)
You have a great view of the Maas from the city gate. Especially beautiful in the evening when the historic buildings are illuminated.

julien maugin (3 years ago)
Former gateway to the Middle Ages, quite impressive in the heart of downtown Verdun.

PierreSch (3 years ago)
Very pretty large medieval door

Phidis Papa (3 years ago)
Nice view of the Meuse, Quai de Londres and monuments, pleasant area for lounging, numerous terraces, bars, restaurants, entertainment, exhibitions on sunny days in the area.

Arjan de Ridder (6 years ago)
Beautiful old towngate opposite the Meuse. This was the ancient entrance to the city of Verdun.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.