Porte de l'Aude (Aude Gate), Carcassonne (must see)
Partially destroyed in 1816 to make room for the Saint Gimer church, the ramp and crenelated walls of this gate remain overlooking the river Aude. The gate has been used as a locale for several "period" films, including The Visitors, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Le Corniaud.
The Aude Gate, once called the Gate of Toulouse, pierced the Visigothic wall in the 12th century. The semicircular arch on the outside looks to be from this era, particularly with reference to its appearance and material used in construction.
The ramp is dominated by two towers. The intruder was forced to turn sharply to reach the Gate. In front of the gate there was no bridge or ditch to protect attackers. The space was untenable for an enemy. It was basically an armed trap, controlled on all sides from above.
Aude Gate is more impressive as an entrance to the Cite than other gates. It is at the peak of a steep path not open to traffic. It requires a rather steep climb but it is more tranquil than the usual tourist entry points.
The Aude Gate, once called the Gate of Toulouse, pierced the Visigothic wall in the 12th century. The semicircular arch on the outside looks to be from this era, particularly with reference to its appearance and material used in construction.
The ramp is dominated by two towers. The intruder was forced to turn sharply to reach the Gate. In front of the gate there was no bridge or ditch to protect attackers. The space was untenable for an enemy. It was basically an armed trap, controlled on all sides from above.
Aude Gate is more impressive as an entrance to the Cite than other gates. It is at the peak of a steep path not open to traffic. It requires a rather steep climb but it is more tranquil than the usual tourist entry points.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Carcassonne. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Porte de l'Aude (Aude Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Porte de l'Aude (Aude Gate)
Sight Location: Carcassonne, France (See walking tours in Carcassonne)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Carcassonne, France (See walking tours in Carcassonne)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Carcassonne, France
Create Your Own Walk in Carcassonne
Creating your own self-guided walk in Carcassonne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Medieval City of Carcassonne Walking Tour
A pig full of wheat was thrown off the battlements. The lady commanding the fortress was a Muslim. The besieging Christians knew Muslims do not eat pig. What is more, the defenders must have plenty of food if they could feed wheat to a pig and throw it over the walls. The siege had lasted five years. The attackers were starving. They left.
Many stories are told about the fortified medieval... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Many stories are told about the fortified medieval... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Carcassonne Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the picturesque region of Occitanie in southern France is the captivating city of Carcassonne.
The name "Carcassonne" is believed to have originated from the Gallic word "Carsac," referring to a fort settlement that was later fortified by the Romans who occupied the area in the 1st century BC.
A legend suggests another, more colorful version of the name,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The name "Carcassonne" is believed to have originated from the Gallic word "Carsac," referring to a fort settlement that was later fortified by the Romans who occupied the area in the 1st century BC.
A legend suggests another, more colorful version of the name,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles