The walls of Aigues-Mortes
On the edge of Camargue National Park is the unique town of Aigues-Mortes which was constructed in the thirteenth century. I have travelled a fair bit but I have never seen such a perfectly preserved fortified town. The problem is that without a helicopter or drone I cannot give a true sense of the town. My own shot was taken outside the town looking at one of the towns gateways
A bit of history
Aigues-Mortes is located in the Petite Camargue in a portion of the wet plains and lakes of the area . It is separated from the Gulf of Lions (and, thus, the Mediterranean) by the town of Le Grau-du-Roi, however Aigues-Mortes is connected to the sea through the Canal du Rhône à Sète.
In 1240, Louis IX, who wanted to get rid of the influence of the Italian navy for transporting troops to the Crusades, focused on the strategic position of his kingdom. At that time, Marseille belonged to his brother Charles of Anjou, King of Naples, Louis IX wanted direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. He obtained Aigues-Mortes and the surrounding lands by exchange of properties with the monks of the abbey. Residents were exempt from the salt tax which was previously levied so that they can now take the salt unconstrained.
He built a road between the marshes and built the Carbonnière Tower to serve as a watchtower and protect access to the city. Saint-Louis then built the Constance Tower on the site of the old Matafère Tower, to house the garrison. In 1272, his son and successor, Philip III the Bold, ordered the continuation of the construction of walls to completely encircle the small town. The work would not be completed for another 30 years.
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The walls of Aigues-Mortes
On the edge of Camargue National Park is the unique town of Aigues-Mortes which was constructed in the thirteenth century. I have travelled a fair bit but I have never seen such a perfectly preserved fortified town. The problem is that without a helicopter or drone I cannot give a true sense of the town. My own shot was taken outside the town looking at one of the towns gateways
A bit of history
Aigues-Mortes is located in the Petite Camargue in a portion of the wet plains and lakes of the area . It is separated from the Gulf of Lions (and, thus, the Mediterranean) by the town of Le Grau-du-Roi, however Aigues-Mortes is connected to the sea through the Canal du Rhône à Sète.
In 1240, Louis IX, who wanted to get rid of the influence of the Italian navy for transporting troops to the Crusades, focused on the strategic position of his kingdom. At that time, Marseille belonged to his brother Charles of Anjou, King of Naples, Louis IX wanted direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. He obtained Aigues-Mortes and the surrounding lands by exchange of properties with the monks of the abbey. Residents were exempt from the salt tax which was previously levied so that they can now take the salt unconstrained.
He built a road between the marshes and built the Carbonnière Tower to serve as a watchtower and protect access to the city. Saint-Louis then built the Constance Tower on the site of the old Matafère Tower, to house the garrison. In 1272, his son and successor, Philip III the Bold, ordered the continuation of the construction of walls to completely encircle the small town. The work would not be completed for another 30 years.
THANKS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MY STREAM.
I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD NOT FAVE A PHOTO
WITHOUT ALSO LEAVING A COMMENT .