Fourth Gate of Vaubam Fortress

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Built in baroque fashion, the fourth gate sits strategically close to the two majestic cathedrals on the west side of the citadel, gazing out towards the Roman's Plateau, a legendary army practice ground steeped in history. The imposing Vauban citadel structures, masterpieces of 17th – 18th century warfare era architecture, showcase their characteristic star shape and diamond profile bastions, quintessential elements of Western Europe's defense architectural tradition perfected by the brilliant French military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707). The construction exudes simplicity, with ornate decorations confined to the inner side of the gate; it once housed the guards in the two adjacent rooms. A semi-cylindrical tunnel leads through the passage, culminating on the inner end with a frontispiece featuring sculptures of two Atlases, crafted in the same style as those found at the third gate, alongside a simplified emblem of the House of Austria and various depictions of flags and war trophies bearing the marks of Carol the VIth.