An emblematic vestige of the medieval era, a testament to the town's distinctive architecture.
In the Middle Ages, Crest was surrounded by a ring of walls (14th to 18th century), crowned with battlements, through which seven gates were pierced and defended by a portcullis and drawbridge. The enclosure delimited the town both politically and topographically.
The Porte de Montségur (14th century), also known as Porte St André or Porte des Écus du Diable because of the representation of the now-defunct Poitiers coats of arms, is the only vestige of these seven gates.
These were permanently guarded and closed at night or in the event of epidemics. From the 18th century onwards, the ramparts no longer served any defensive military function, and little by little the inhabitants opened their doors and windows for convenience.
