Porte Mordelaise, Rennes

The Porte Mordelaise is a gatehouse, a remnant of the ramparts of Rennes, in the French department of Ille-et-Vilaine in the region of Brittany. Its location dates from the 3rd century, when the first ramparts were created, but its architecture dates mainly from the 15th century. It was the main entrance to the city of Rennes.

The Mordelaises gates take their name from the town of Mordelles, an important fiefdom from the XIth century towards which this entrance leads. The future dukes had to take an oath in front of this entrance, so it is sometimes called royal door, ducal door or episcopal door. It was used as an entrance for the processions and its drawbridge allowed a double protection against the attacks.