Porte Mordelaise (Mordelaise Gate), Rennes

In the third century, during the time of the Empire, there was a small Gallic village called Condate Redonum. Condate was destined to become Rennes, the capital of Brittany. The ruins of a Gallo-Roman wall, built between 275 and 300 AD, can still be seen. There was an ancient gate built on the site. It was replaced in about 1452 by the Mordelaise Gate.

The new ramparts and gates refer to the parish of Mordelles. By 1470 the rampart fortifications had been established, protecting the city on three sides. A fourth had been planned, but the construction was discontinued for lack of funds. The Mordelaise Gate is a horseshoe-shaped artillery bulwark with a protected entrance on the side.

The city's fortified perimeter was partially taken down by Royal order in the 17th century. The Mordelaise Gate remains a symbol of the city and an artifact of military architecture. Until Brittany was absorbed by France, the Breton dukes and Duchesses entered Rennes through this gate on their way to be crowned in Rennes Cathedral.

A promenade has been developed to link the Lices Square, the Hyacinthe Lorette Square, and the Duchesne Tower to the Francois Mitterrand Mall. To enter Rennes in style, come as Royalty once did, through the Mordelaise Gate.