Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonnaise Gate), Carcassonne (must see)
The Narbonnaise Gate is the main gate to the Cite. It was built during the reign of Phillipe III (The Bold) about 1280. The Gate was the most defensive of the Cite. There are two huge spur towers on either side of the Gate. A chain is drawn across the entrance. Knockers and harrows provide a double closure.
A false drawbridge was installed during restorations in the 19th century. The drawbridge spans a dry moat. The Gate itself is defended by the Barbican Saint-Louis. The towers are connected by a large guard room. The lower rooms of the towers have defensive loopholes for crossbows, handy in a siege.
The North tower has a deep cistern and the south tower has a basement room for food storage. The archway which opens to the Cite is protected by a system of harrows and machicolations. Above the entrance in a niche, a statue of the Virgin watches all who enter.
A false drawbridge was installed during restorations in the 19th century. The drawbridge spans a dry moat. The Gate itself is defended by the Barbican Saint-Louis. The towers are connected by a large guard room. The lower rooms of the towers have defensive loopholes for crossbows, handy in a siege.
The North tower has a deep cistern and the south tower has a basement room for food storage. The archway which opens to the Cite is protected by a system of harrows and machicolations. Above the entrance in a niche, a statue of the Virgin watches all who enter.
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Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonnaise Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Porte Narbonnaise (Narbonnaise 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