Porte d’Espagne – Spanish Gate

We’re looking at an important piece of the city’s history! The Spanish Gate has been part of Bayonne’s fortifications since the 18th century – well, at least in its current form, completely revamped by architect Vauban. It guarded the southern part of the city, leading to Spain. If you walk through it, you’ll get to see the casemates just behind and the drawbridge over the former moat. It faces the Rue d’Espagne, which has always been a busy street, located right between the gate and the city market. It was also home to the local prison and many residential buildings. It was pedestrianized in 2007 and it’s now one of Bayonne’s major tourist attractions.