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Origin and history

The gate of the Thérond, located in Marvejols in Lozère, was built in the 14th century as part of the urban fortifications decided in 1360-1361 to protect itself from the attacks of the Routiers. These armed bands then ravaged the area, pushing local trustees to build ramparts and three main gates: Chanelles, Soubeyran and Thérond. The substructures of these gates date from this period, although their present aspects are the result of subsequent reconstructions.

During the Wars of Religion, Marvejols became a Protestant bastion. In 1574, Mathieu Merle took it, and in 1586 the city was besieged by the Catholic troops of the Duke of Joyeuse. After three days of resistance, it was looted and its fortifications partially destroyed by order of Henry III. Henry IV, wishing reconciliation, financed the reconstruction of the city from 1589, including the Therond Gate. The latter, less imposing than the other gates, linked the city to the pastures of the plain and the commercial district.

Architecturally, the Thérond's door is distinguished by its two towers surrounding the passage, without assomoir. The right tower, pierced with windows, underwent modifications: the drilling of a top window resulted in the removal of a crow from the round road, replacing the stone lintels with a wooden lintel. A Latin inscription on the interior façade pays tribute to the king for the reconstruction. The gate was classified as a historic monument in 1925, preserving this testimony of religious conflicts and medieval urbanism.

In the 18th century, the ditches surrounding the ramparts were filled and transformed into gardens, marking an evolution towards a less militarized city. Today, the Thérond Gate remains a symbol of Marvejols' resilience, between defensive heritage and urban renewal.

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