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Origin and history

The Mordelaise Gate, located in Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, is a vestige of medieval ramparts dating mainly from the 15th century, although its location dates back to the 3rd century. It was the main entrance of the city, oriented towards Mordelles, an important fief since the 11th century. Its architecture combines a large carriageway door and a small pedestrian door, both in warhead, framed by two towers crowned with mâchicoulis. These doors were protected by drawbridges and harrows, reflecting its defensive and symbolic role.

The door draws its name from the city of Mordelles, to which it was turned. It was also called royal gate, ducal gate or episcopal gate, because the Dukes of Brittany and the bishops of Rennes made their solemn entrance. Above the large door, a coat of arms representing two lions on both sides of a spear recalls the emblem of the Dukes of Montfort, who reigned over Brittany from 1364 to 1514. The gate also housed rooms used as a residence by governors until the 16th century and then as a meeting place for the urban community.

Over the centuries, the Mordelaise Gate has undergone several transformations. Renovated from 1418 to serve as a residence for the governors, it was posted in 1723 because of its degraded condition. During the French Revolution in 1793, she was renamed Marat Gate and converted to prison, before returning to her original name. In 1926 it was listed as historical monuments. In 1997, a reconstituted drawbridge was installed, replaced in 2022 by a sleeping bridge.

The Mordelaise gate incorporates a variety of defensive elements: ditch, mâchicoulis, and remains of a barbacan. An engraved stone dedicated to Roman Emperor Gordien III (III century), reused in its construction, bears witness to its anchoring in the ancient history of Rennes. This stone, removed in 1874, is now preserved in the museum of Brittany. Stendhal also mentions the door in his Memoirs of a tourist (1838), highlighting his medieval character and Roman inscription.

Since 2015, the city of Rennes has undertaken a project to enhance the gate, including archaeological excavations (2012-2015) and developments to create a walk along the ramparts. This work aims to better integrate this monument into the urban landscape and make it more accessible to tourists, despite its landlocked position in the historic centre. The Mordelaise Gate remains the only fortified vestige visible from the old ramparts of Rennes, marking both the military and political history of the city.

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