Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau represents one of the main touristic attractions in Bordeaux. It has witnessed the time when Bordeaux used to be a fortified city, surrounded by walls from all sides before the 18th century.
Porte Cailhau was built in 1495 and was used to protect the city from any foreign invasions. It was also the main gate through which all the merchandises, arriving from the port, came into the city.
During the 18th century, there were tax officers on both sides of the gate, to make sure all taxes were paid.
On the main façade of Porte Cailhau, we notice a big statue. It represents ‘Santiago de Compostella’.
Bordeaux had always been one of the most important steps of the ‘Camino de Santiago‘. Thousands of pilgrims pass through Bordeaux and more specifically, through this gate to reach Spain and eventually arrive at Santiago de Compostella.
It is possible to visit the inside of Porte cailhau, where you can have an amazing panoramical view of Bordeaux and its ‘pont de pierre‘. You will also find an exhibition that tells the whole story of the gate and the city.
Practical information:
To arrive at Porte Cailhau, you can take the tram A and go down at the stop: Place du Palais.
Entrance for 1 person is 5 Euros / Free if you have the Bordeaux City Pass.
For more interesting facts, check out the did you know section of this blog!
