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Below the scarp slopes surrounding the walled town was a wall providing defence for the suburb built on the banks of the River Aude. The wall dates from the 13th century and it prevented enemies from digging in between the Aude and the walled town since it was situated within range of the towers.

The Aude Gate (formerly the Toulouse Gate) was built in the Visigoth Wall* in the 12th century. The rounded arch on the outside seems to date from this period because of its bonding and the type of materials used.

A long ramp led up to the main barbican from which it could be strafed. It is a fairly steep slope and includes a bend. It leads to an initial gate which was no more than a simple barrier, then to a second gate defended by battlements and overlooked by a structural element in the form of a transom at the top of which, on a level with the parapet walkways along the inner wall, there was a platform and merlons. At its base, the transom includes a gate opening onto the jousting ground on the south-west side. Once inside the outer wall, the ramp climbs up a fairly steep slope within range of the construction hidden behind the Aude Gate in the inner wall. The ramp is overlooked by two towers. Having reached the bend in the ramp, you then have to turn sharply away in order to reach the gate. Although there is neither moat or drawbridge in front of this gate, it was not easy to reach because the space between the two walls constituted a veritable battleground, a large fort overlooked on all sides by formidable constructions. La Cité de Carcassonne par E. Viollet-le-Duc – Re-edition by Cercle Artistique et Littéraire Occitan – 1970

La Cité de Carcassonne par E.Viollet-le-Duc – Neuauflage des Cercle Artistique et Littéraire Occitan – 1970.

* ancient wall

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