Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The gate of La Craffe, erected in the 14th century under the Duke John I of Lorraine, was the only northern entrance to the old town of Nancy. This Gothic monument, both defensive and honorary, is distinguished by its central square tower flanked by two round towers added in 1463, surmounted by characteristic conical roofs. The door, adorned with a broken arch, a Virgin to the Child (14th century), and bas-reliefs of the Dukes Raoul and Jean, symbolizes the power of Lorraine with a thistle and a cross of Lorraine. The mâchicoulis and schauguers reinforced its military aspect, while strong rooms in the towers served as prison until the 19th century.

Originally named border gate (1380), its current name would come either from the Neapolitan Caraffa (name of a governor or engineer), or from the German Kraft ("fortified door"), or visible architectural crampons. Under Rene II (1477), an outside ground and a Notre-Dame gate connected by a tunnel were added to strengthen the defences towards the suburb of the Three Houses. In the 16th century, the towers received their pepper roofs, and a third door (Citadel Gate) was built during the construction of the Duc and Marquis bastions (1598).

The door underwent major changes in the 17th and 19th centuries. In 1616, a lantern with a bell of Saint-Epvre was added. Under Louis XIII (1633), the city side façade was transformed into an ancient Greek style (triangular fronton, doric pillars), before being restored in 1861 in its original Gothic style by Commander Trancart. In 1870, two pedestrian doors were pierced at the base of the towers. In the 20th century, the rooms housed a museum of torture instruments, before a complete restoration in 2012-2013 to treat water infiltrations and restore brick walls. Ranked a historic monument in 1886, it is now flanked by two 18th century pavilions (registered in 1945).

The bas-reliefs of the Dukes Charles II (winner at Champigneulles in 1407) and René II (winner at Nancy in 1477) recall the key battles of Lorraine. The door, symbol of the ducal power, served as a door of honour until 1610. Its architecture blends cut stone and red bricks, with thick three-metre walls, reflecting both its defensive function and its ceremonial role in the history of the Netherlands.

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