SERPENTINE DOOR
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Monumental gate in the shape of an Arc de Triomphe at the entrance to Metz, a site steeped in history that hosts artistic events.
A monumental gateway at the entrance to the city, the Porte Serpenoise was built on the ruins of the Porte Scarpone, a vestige of the fortified city and its ramparts, delimiting the southern part of the city since the 3rd century. It represents 4 historic events that have marked the city's history, including the defense by its inhabitants in 1473: Metz, then an independent city with its own army, was coveted by the Duke of Lorraine. The latter managed to enter Metz at night, disguising his troops as merchants, and ordered them: "Kill everything, women and children! Spare nothing! The baker Harelle, who was preparing his bread for the morning, sounded the alarm and the people of Metz defended their city, repelling the Duke of Lorraine's troops. Badly damaged during the 1552 siege by Charles V, the medieval gate was demolished in 1561 to make way for the fortifications of the citadel. The present-day gate was rebuilt in 1852, when it was a 30-meter-long bent tunnel crossing the southern rampart embankment. Its angled shape prevented direct artillery fire into the city. The gate also served as a link with the old railway station. In 1902-1903, the city walls were dismantled and the Porte Serpenoise took on its current Arc de Triomphe form. Today, the building is part of Metz's urban landscape and regularly hosts a variety of artistic events, giving it a new lease of life.
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