In the Middle Ages, four gates located at the four cardinal points provided access to the city. The southern gate, known as the Saunerie ("salt gate"), was built at the end of the 14th century. The city's coat of arms is depicted beneath the gate.
Description
The first gate built in this location in the 12th century was called the Porte de Dam Gamier and sometimes the Porte de Dam Simon. It is likely that these two names were those of the notables who participated in its construction. This original gate was probably located a little further back in the city.
The current gate was built in the 14th century when the second city walls were erected. It was at this time that it took the name Saunerie.
Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the town was a veritable fortified castle which could only be entered through four gates: those of Guillempierre, Soubeyran, Aubette and Saunerie.
Every evening, the gates were closed and any traveler who arrived after this closing time could not continue on their way since the Boulevard de la Plaine did not exist and it was necessary to cross the town to go further.
Little by little, inns were established outside the walls to accommodate them. In this suburb there was the salt depot. "Salt" being "säu" in Provençal, the suburb took the name of Saunerie. Quite naturally, the gate then took the name: Porte de la Saunerie.
Source: Manosquine Association for Historical and Natural Research (AMRHN)
Comfort and amenities
Equipment
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.
Opening
From January, 01 to December, 01, open daily.