For animation Click here   For second animation Click here      The Narbonne Gate with the Trésau Tower beside it

INNER WALL THE NARBONNE GATE  he Narbonne Gate is the entrance to the eastern side of the fortified town. In addition to its military accoutrements it is equipped for comfort and prestige. Two high twin towers reinforced by overhangs designed to deflect attackers' projectiles are connected by a gatehouse inside which is the entrance passage protected by a double portcullis and a murder-hole. On the different floors of the construction loopholes ensured the crossbowmen's frontal and vertical shots. In the event of a war wooden hoardings supported by joists fixed into the walls could be quickly installed above the gate and on the coping of the towers to improve the active defence. The domestic equipment: salting tub, water tank, fireplace, show that the purpose was to be able to maintain a garrison for an extensive period in time of attacks or sieges. This is not just a remarkable construction planned for warfare. In fact, the rooms, built one above the other on the different levels, demonstrate the refinement of gothic architecture in the care taken with the tracery windows open to the town, with the cross-ribbed arches and the monumental fireplaces.

The Inner Wall  The Narbonne Gate  The Saint-Nazaire Gate  The Aude Gate  The Rodez Gate  The Bishop's Tower  The Trésau Tower  The Saint-Martin Tower   The tracery windows in the Chevaliers room on the second floor of the Narbonne Gate.