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Origin and history

The town gates of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne are the last remains of the fortifications of a bastide founded in 1281 by King Edward I of England. These four gates, dated from the 14th century, marked the main entrances of the city according to an orthogonal plan typical of the bastides. They were located at the ends of the main streets, connecting Sauveterre with neighbouring cities like Libourne, La Réole or Langon. Each door, such as the Saubotte door or the Saint-Léger door, had defensive features adapted to their access control role.

The Sauveterre-de-Guyenne bastide, established on a site chosen by the Suzeran authority, followed a rigorous urban plan: four streets crossing at right angle around a central square. The fortified gates, classified as historic monuments in 1892, have undergone modifications over the centuries. Some, such as the Lafon gate, have been partially torn apart, while others, such as the Saubotte door, still retain intact elements such as stairs or vaulted rooms. A restoration was undertaken in 1888 to consolidate these structures.

These gates illustrate the strategic importance of the bastides in the Entre-Deux-Mers, a region disputed between the kingdoms of France and England during the Hundred Years War. Their preservation offers a rare testimony of medieval urban planning and defensive systems of the time. Today, they constitute a major architectural heritage of the Gironde, attracting visitors for their historical value and authenticity.

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