Porte Cailhau

The Porte Cailhau, which is steeped in centuries of history, provides a breathtaking panorama of Bordeaux. The Cailhau gate, also known as the Gate of the Palace, is a historical monument that dates back to the 1495 century. Despite its age, this massive and stunning monument has retained almost all of its original features.

It was constructed as a monument to commemorate the victory that Charles VIII had at Fornovo (Italy). This French king has left his imprint on the tower, as his portrait may be found hanging in a niche on the river side of the structure. Visitors are cautioned to pay attention to the lintel and are informed that King Charles VIII was killed when he ran into one of these lintels after walking into it too rapidly.

How to explore Porte Cailhau?

• The city walls incorporate the 35-meter-tall Porte Cailhau structure as an integral part of the structure. In the year 1864, a public letter writer and a person whose duty it was to weigh salt rented space in the building. Both of them had to move out so that the monument could undergo refurbishment. From this vantage point, you will have a breathtaking view of the Pont de Pierre, which is Bordeaux's oldest bridge.
• This impressive structure boasts a combination of defensive features that can be found on the portcullis and the deadlock on the first floor. On the second floor, you will even be able to see machicolation crowning, a crenelated gallery, and wooden shutters.
• Examine the ornamental features, such as the steeple and conical roofs that were covered with slate. The windows and skylights are also worth looking at.
• In the middle of the quay is a statue of King Charles VIII, to his left is the statue of Cardinal d'Epinay, and to his right is the statue of Saint John, who is the patron saint of the Jurade.