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Origin and history

The town gate of Noyers-sur-Serein, also known as the door of Avallon, the door of the Midi or the door of Peinte, is a fortified gate integrated with the city walls. Its construction, contemporary of that of the ramparts, is attested by the charter of foundation of Miles VIII in 1232. It was once decorated with two pins painted with seigneurial weapons, which earned him his name. The door was protected by harrows and a drawbridge added in 1491, before these defensive elements were dismantled in 1778.

The Noyer ramparts, built at the end of the 12th century under the impulse of Hugues de Noyers, bishop of Auxerre and guardian of Miles VII, initially included 23 towers and 3 gates. The Painted Door, located southeast of the village, was a strategic point of the enclosure. It was entirely rebuilt in the 15th century, during which period the fortifications were restored several times, notably thanks to tax exemptions granted by the Duke of Burgundy.

In 1232, Miles VIII's charter states that the inhabitants of Noyers should finance half of the costs of building the ramparts, in exchange for the exemption from the right of death. This collaboration between the Lord and the local population illustrates the importance of fortifications for the protection and autonomy of the city. The Painted Door, with its 4 cannon mouths and its bow, bears witness to the evolution of defensive techniques between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Over the centuries, the door has undergone modifications, such as the disappearance of the harrow and the drawbridge in the 18th century. Despite these transformations, it remains a remarkable example of medieval military architecture. Joined historic monuments in 1926, it is now owned by the municipality and constitutes an emblematic heritage of Yonne.

The remains of the ramparts, including 19 towers and portions of walls, recall the original extent of the enclosure. Among these elements, the tower of Venoise, an old guard corps, and the gate of the Rue (or Tonnerre) partially remain. These structures, although redesigned, offer an overview of the defensive organization of Noyers, a strategic city in Burgundy in the Middle Ages.

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