Porte d’Espagne - Spanish Gate

The Spain Gate

A stop on the Bayonne audio-guided tour, the Spain Gate is a fine testimony of the city's history. It has been part of Bayonne's fortifications since the eighteenth century, in its current state entirely redesigned by Vauban.

Towards Spain

The gate ensured the protection of the south of the city, which leads towards Spain. One can pass through it and see its casemates as well as a counterweight drawbridge overlooking the old moats of the ramparts. It faces rue d'Espagne, an active and busy street, located between the gate and the market, which once housed the city prison.

What to see

Pedestrianised in 2007, rue d'Espagne is now one of the main tourist routes of Bayonne. Pass through the gate to discover this remnant of Vauban's fortifications and feel the military history of the city, turned towards the Spanish border.

Practical information

The Spain Gate is in the south of the old town of Bayonne, on the pedestrian rue d'Espagne. Freely accessible, it can be walked through at any time.

What role did the Spain Gate play ?

It protected the south of the city, on the side leading towards Spain, within Vauban's fortifications.

What does the gate consist of ?

Of casemates and a counterweight drawbridge overlooking the old moats of the ramparts.