Su questo luogo
The Porte Cailhau was raised between 1493 and 1496 as the grand entrance to medieval Bordeaux, the gate through which travellers passed from the river quays into the old town. Far more than a doorway, it was conceived as a monument to the young King Charles VIII, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Fornovo in Italy in 1495, and his carved statue still watches over the facade. Standing some thirty-five metres tall, the gate blends the solid defensive character of the Middle Ages with the delicate ornament, tracery and turrets of the early Renaissance that French kings brought home from their Italian campaigns. Classified as a historic monument in 1883, it outlived the demolition of the old city walls and now opens its upper chambers to visitors, who can climb to a lookout with sweeping views over the river and rooftops.
Fatti principali
- 1495 year — Honours Charles VIII's victory at the Battle of Fornovo in Italy
- 35 metres — The height of the turreted gate rising over the Garonne
- 1883 year — The gate was classified as a protected historic monument
📍 Rue de la Porte Cailhau 3, 33000, Bordeaux