Ok so let’s go east shall we! IN my road warrior trips in France and elsewhere…. I have come to visit the east of the French Republic and one of the towns that impressed us the most was Metz. Even if not on the tops list of folks in that area, it is a must to visit. Metz is in the dept 57 of Moselle in the new region of Grand Est. I have written in a general sense before in my blog, but let me tell you a bit about its wonderful things to see in my next posts.
The Porte des Allemands or gate of the Germans is a fortified city gate in Metz. It serves as a bridge over the Seille river from the 13C to the beginning of the 20C. The building is today the most important remnant of the medieval walls of Metz and testifies to the evolution of the military architecture of Metz in the Middle Ages.
It was mentioned first in 1267, the gate of the Germans was one of the seven main gates of the city, which had twelve others, less important, in medieval times. Both a fortified gate and bridge, the gate spans the Seille river at the Pont Henry-de-Ranconval (bridge) which now connects the expressway Est Boulevard Andre Maginot, the latter having replaced the ramparts at the beginning of the 20C. The fortified gate dominated the eastern boundary line for nearly 1,200 meters, from the Porte de Mazelle to the Porte Sainte-Barbe. The Porte des Allemands was part of the medieval walls of Metz. A veritable fortress-gate with towers, battlements and machicolations, the gate of the German owes its name to the knights of the Teutonic Order, or “Hospitaller Brothers of Our Lady of the Germans”, installed at that time in a neighboring street. Their hospice was destroyed by François de Guise, during the siege of Metz of 1552. The towers dominate the Seille river from a height of 28 meters. The thickness of the walls, which reaches 3.50 meters, is then adapted to the power of the emerging artillery. The bridge is fortified between 1480 and 1550.
A major renovation project was undertaken in 2013-2014 to open the premises to the public for cultural events. Bleachers and a scenic area are built on an outdoor terrace in the garden behind the great hall. A glass elevator accessible to people of reduced mobility is set up in the north tower which sees its treated framework and its blanket in hollow tiles redone. The elevator joins the terrace which is safe. The rooms of the north tower of the 15C gate are also restored ; the double-screw staircase of this tower gives access to the terrace on the east side. Sanitary facilities are installed and a technical space for heating and air is installed underground.
The city of Metz becomes owner of the Porte des Allemands in 1900. A part is then transformed into a museum. This museum contains until 1918 an archaeological collection from the missing districts, doors or demolished ramparts of the city. On the first and second floor were documents, printed pieces and engravings on the history of Metz since Roman times. The halls also contained seals, coins and medals dating from the war of 1870, as well as Lorraine furniture and costumes and the guillotine, “La Louise”, which would have been active on the Place de la Comédie in 1793. Because of its emblematic value, the nazis made their solemn entry to Metz, by the porte des Allemands on September 23, 1940.
Some webpages to help you plan your trip here and you must are
City of Metz on the Porte des Allemands in French
Tourist office of Metz on the Porte des Allemands in English
There you go another dandy monument in very nice Metz. Hope you enjoy visiting the Porte des Allemands as we did walking to it!
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 