Fortifications of Metz-Porte des Allemands (Deutsches Tor)

The origins of the German Gate date back to approximately 1230, when it was built as a passage guarded by two round towers. In 1445, the complex underwent an expansion by the city architect Henri de Ranconval, who added two larger defensive towers and a pointed-arch bridge over the Seille with a protected access ramp. An arcade was added in 1480, and between 1526 and 1529, a triangular bulwark serving as a bridgehead was constructed under Philipp Dex. Two additional firing chambers were integrated in 1550. The German Gate was the only medieval city gate to be incorporated unchanged into the new defense concepts during later modifications of Metz's city fortifications by Vauban (around 1680) and Louis de Cormontaigne (1744–1752). Between 1859 and 1862, the gate castle was restored. The city of Metz acquired the structure in November 1900 and established a museum within it in 1907. In October 1944, the German Gate suffered damage from artillery shelling, particularly to its bridges. Initial restoration work began in 1946, and after renovation in 1968, the gate was once again accessible to pedestrians. Since December 3, 1966, the German Gate has been officially designated as a historical monument. The most recent renovations were carried out in 1996.