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“La porte des Allemands”, The Germans' Gate in Enligsh, is from the 13th century; it is one of the last medieval bridge castles found in France. Some 250m eastwards stands the impressive “Porte des Allemands” (German Gate), one of Metz’ most outstanding monuments.

Even if it looks like a medieval fortress from afar, it is technically a fortified double gate that once was part of the extensive ramparts around Metz. The gate used to guard the eastern entrances of the city that came from the direction of Germany. But it was from the Teutonic Knights who ran a hospital in the nearby “Rue des Allemands” (Germans’ street) that its name would come.

The view of the whole structure standing on both sides of the Seille River is seen best from the bridge of the N3 road. The first gate on the town side was erected in the 13th century and features two towers surmounted with slate pepper-pot roofs. The second gate was added in 1445 and is flanked by two large crenellated towers. It is possible to walk through the gate and to admire the military architecture of the medieval era, keeping in mind that the double gate underwent heavy restoration in the 19th century.

La Porte des Allemands