Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The gate of Roubaix, also known as the Saint-Maurice Gate, is a fortified gate built in 1620 as part of the extension of the Spanish enclosure of Lille under archducs Albert and Isabelle, governors of the Netherlands. Designed by master masons Michel Watrelos and Jean Lesur, it replaces an ancient medieval gate, the door of the Reignaux, dating from the 13th century and located at the corner of the current rue du Vieux-Faubourg and rue à Fiens. This project is part of a desire to modernize the city's defences, then under Spanish domination, in the face of the geopolitical tensions of the time.

At the time of its construction, Lille was a strategic place for the Spanish Habsburgs, during the war of Quatre-Vingts Ans (1568–1648). The enclosure, completed in 1621 and inaugurated in 1625, incorporates innovative military techniques for the time, such as the use of bricks and stones combined, as well as drawbridge systems. The Rubaix gate, facing north-east, controlled access to the road leading to Roubaix, a major commercial and military axis.

Its architectural style, marked by polychrome chevron bricks and defensive elements (crennel cornice, grooves for drawbridge), reflects the Flemish and Spanish influence. The door has undergone several changes over the centuries. In 1668, Vauban, a military engineer of Louis XIV, preserved it during the reconfiguration of the fortifications of Lille after the French conquest, but reinforced it by advanced works, including Fort Sainte-Agnès (destroyed in 1990).

In 1792, she played a symbolic role during the siege of Lille by the Austrians: an emissary presented an ultimatum of surrender, a landmark episode of the Lille Resistance. In the 19th century, urbanization and traffic needs changed its use. In 1875, the door was pierced by two side arches to allow the passage of line F of the tramway, and restored at the same time.

This adaptation illustrates the evolution of fortified cities towards civilian functions, while preserving their legacy. In the 20th century, its importance declined with the opening of Carnot Boulevard in 1909, which diverted part of the traffic. In the 1990s, motorized traffic is permanently prohibited, but it remains a pedestrian crossing towards Euralille and Henri Matisse Park.

Ranked a historic monument in 1929, the Roubaix Gate benefits from a complete renovation in 2004 as part of the Lille 2004 European Capital of Culture event. Today, it is a symbol of the Lille heritage, combining military history and urban dynamism. A walk arranged in 2024 now allows to admire its interior and exterior facades, as well as the remains of the old ramparts.

Served by the metro stations Gare Lille-Flandres and Gare Lille-Europe, it attracts both history lovers and walkers.

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