Prison Gate
This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit Vannes, The city of the Veneti
This medieval gateway to the old city wall dates back to the 13th century. It was built on the site of the first Gallo-Roman wall. The impressive complex is quite well preserved. Look out for the machicolations and gunports on the side tower. You can also see the location of the drawbridge chains.
It used to be known as the Saint-Paterne gate, before it was converted into a prison, hence its current name. As you can imagine, there must have been another tower on the left-hand side. It was demolished in the 19th century. All that remains is the ground floor, which supports the house adjoining it.
The gateway has been listed as a historic monument since 1912 and was bought by the town in 1934. Since then, several restorations have been carried out so that today you can admire this majestic witness to the past.
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