Französisches Tor

Landau Fortress could only be entered or left through two main gates - the "German Gate" in the north and the "French Gate" in the south. The imposing gateways secured the vulnerable entrances to the fortress on the one hand, but on the other hand they also symbolised the French king's claim to power. The Bourbon coat of arms (the lilies), the sculptured head of the Sun King and his motto: "Nec pluribus impar". (Grown even by many) in the gable field of the gates were intended to visually demonstrate the Sun King's self-image to visitors from afar.