1905 Fort Saint-André in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon France Vintage Postcard
About This Vintage Postcard
This evocative postcard captures the formidable entrance of Fort Saint-André in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France. The scene highlights the massive twin towers of the gatehouse which served as the primary entrance into this 14th-century royal fortress. Built atop Mount Andaon on the orders of King John II the Good and completed under Charles V, the fort was designed to assert French royal power directly across from the Papal State in Avignon. The architecture is a prime example of medieval military engineering, featuring high crenelated walls and machicolations. This strategic position provided an exceptional vantage point over the Rhône valley, allowing the French crown to monitor the Popes' activities across the river.
Details
Era: Divided Back (c. 1905–1910)
City: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
State or Region: Gard, Occitanie
Country: France
Topic: Medieval Fortresses, Fort Saint-André, French Royal History, Military Architecture, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Landmarks
Condition: Circulated
Postage: None
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Collection B. B. (No. 2)
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Collotype
Additional Information
The manufacturing date for this card is narrowed to 1905–1910. The reverse side features an English translation of the historical caption printed on the front, likely penned by a traveler. The message notes that the ramparts were built in 1367 by letters patent from King John, son of Philip of Valois, and describes it as one of the most beautiful specimens of architecture of the Middle Ages. Collection B. B. was a regional series that documented historic monuments in the Gard department. The fortress was officially designated a monument historique in 1903, and this card captures the gatehouse towers, known as the Châtelet, which still contain a carved royal crest and protective portcullis grooves from the 14th century.
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