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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Bellecroix Gate, also known as the Sarrelouis Gate, is one of the medieval ramparts of Metz. Located on Bellecroix Hill, it was designed to reinforce a strategic weakness of the stronghold in the 18th century. Originally conceived by Vauban in 1698, its construction was considered too expensive and postponed. It was not until the next century that the project was taken over and modified by Louis de Cormontaigne, who supervised its construction between 1731 and 1749 as part of the construction of two double fortified crowns.

The door adopts a classic style, with a stone structure of Jaumont, typical of the region. It is distinguished by two pairs of symmetrical pilasters framing the opening, topped by an arc in basket handle. This monument, together with its entrance body and the remains of the adjacent walls (courtine primer and remains of the eastern tenaille), were classified as Historic Monument by order of 12 July 1982, thus recognizing their heritage value.

Integrated with the Metz defensive system, the Bellecroix Gate illustrates the evolution of fortifications under the Old Regime, combining medieval heritage and 18th century military innovations. Its location on Bellecroix Hill, at the current address 1 rue Lamoricière, makes it a tangible witness to the city's defence strategies, in an area marked by recurrent conflicts between European kingdoms.

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