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Monument · Rennes, Bretanha
Portes Mordelaises
Old main city gate from the 15th century, with two towers, machicolations and traces of the drawbridge. It is the largest remaining section of Rennes' medieval walls.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Portes Mordelaises
The Portes Mordelaises are what remains of the main entrance of the old walled city of Rennes. The site was already a crossing point since the earliest walls in the 3rd century, but the structure seen today is mainly from the 15th century.
The ensemble features a large gate for carriages and a smaller pedestrian gate between two towers topped with machicolations. There was a moat, a drawbridge and an iron grille. Above the main gate, a stone bears the coat of arms of the dukes of Montfort, who ruled Brittany from 1364 to 1514.
The name comes from the town of Mordelles, where the road led. The future dukes of Brittany passed through it when entering the city to take their oath. During the Revolution in 1793 the gate was turned into a prison.
It has been a listed historic monument since 1926. Beside it, stretches of the medieval walls are still visible.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 10 to 20 minutes.
Best time
By day, as part of a walk through Vieux Rennes. It's just a few steps from the cathedral.
How to get there
It's located at the end of Rue de la Monnaie, about a 3-minute walk from the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and Place des Lices.
Tip
Go through the gate and look back: from the outside you can better see the towers and the site of the former drawbridge.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Portes Mordelaises
What were the Portes Mordelaises?
They were the main entrance to the walled city of Rennes, used by the processions of the dukes of Brittany.
Can you go inside the towers?
The monument is usually viewed from the outside and through the passage under the gate. Check if guided visits are offered at the time of your trip.
Why that name?
Because the road that left from there led to Mordelles, a town near Rennes.