The Machicolated Tower, also known as Porte de Vence (Vence Gate – as it faces the city of Vence) is a rare remnant of the city wall. It was built in 1640 to increase the city’s defences.

What is interesting about this tower is the presence of several medieval means of defence:

Machicolations – an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate. Through these, stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers.

Embrasure – a hole in a wall in which archers could hide behind the wall while shooting arrows at the enemy.

Portcullis – a lifting wooden grille to prevent enemy troops from penetrating deeper into the town, whose old treads can still be seen today.

It was one of the first obstacles that the enemy troops had to overcome in the siege of the town.

And thanks to its massiveness and clever means of defence, it was one of the highlights of military architecture for its time.

Today, many of these elements are still visible, making it easy for visitors to transport themselves back to the Middle Ages and enjoy the unique atmosphere.