Mordelaise Gate

Let’s wind time back to 300 BC. Rennes was still named “Condate”, which means confluent in Celt. It was nicknamed “the Red”, as it was surrounded and protected by a red brick wall. Where you stand and observe the Mordelaise Gates, there was already a antique gate. There were 4 in total, facing each of the 4 cardinal points. During the Middle Ages, our ancestors took inspiration from their ancestors and built the ramparts following the path of this ancient wall. At that time, gates weren’t only used to enter into the city, but to defend said entrance. You can observe that both of the large towers are surmounted by machicolations. These galleries allowed soldiers to throw projectiles on enemies. This recently renovated gate consists of a door for carts, and another for pedestrians. Even the drawbridge you just crossed was restored ! During the 15th and 16th century, the gate was renovated to serve as homes to the town’s governor. At the time of the French Revolution, it was turned into a prison and took the name Marat, in honor of the famous revolutionary. Mordelaise gates also are strong symbols, as it was through there that the future Dukes of Britanny entered to be crowned at the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Everything was orchestrated very precisely. They arrived with their procession in front of the closed gate. They solemnly swore to defend the liberties of Brittany, and only then did the gate open and the escort could proceed towards the cathedral for the coronation ceremony.