Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Gate of the Verdette is a key element of the medieval urban enclosure of Pradelles, in the Haute-Loire. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it features a full hanger with chamfer, typical of the defensive architecture of the time. Inside, a stone staircase leads to the rampart, while a niche houses a statue of the Virgin with the Child at the inside of the voussure. The machicoulis stone crows, located in the upper part, testify to its defensive role.

According to a local legend, during the Wars of Religion on 10 March 1588, a resident named Jeanne La Verdette killed Captain Chambaud by throwing a massive stone at his head. This episode, although not verified historically, illustrates the religious tensions that have affected the region. The gate was listed as a historic monument on October 22, 1971, recognizing its heritage value.

Located at the southwest exit of Pradelles, this gate is now owned by the municipality. Its architecture, combining defensive elements (mâchicoulis) and religious (marital status), reflects the concerns of medieval cities: protection against attacks and affirmation of the Christian faith. The original stones, preserved in the staircase, offer a rare testimony of the construction techniques of the time.

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