Aigues-Mortes - Sauniers

The Crusades

Aigues-Mortes, an iconic medieval town in the south of France, plays a central role in the history of the Crusades. This strategic port, founded by Louis IX in the 13th century, served as the departure point for several crusading expeditions that would leave a lasting mark on the history of Christendom and the Kingdom of France.

The Port of Aigues-Mortes : a medieval crossroads

In the heart of the Camargue, Aigues-Mortes was a crucial port for the Kingdom of France during the Middle Ages. It was from this port that the great crusading armies, led by Saint Louis, set sail for some of the most famous Crusades. In 1248, Louis IX, King of France, departed from Aigues-Mortes for the Seventh Crusade, a perilous journey aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem. This symbolic and historic departure marked a turning point for the town and its port, which became an essential passage for pilgrims and knights on their way to the Holy Land.

Aigues-Mortes - Tour de Contance et port

The port of Aigues-Mortes was not just a maritime stopover ; it was also a strategic hub for organizing military expeditions. Merchant ships sailed alongside war vessels, and armies gathered to embark on journeys to distant lands. The town, built on the salty shores of the lagoons, was fortified with impressive defenses, including its famous ramparts, which served to protect both the inhabitants and the crusaders before their departure.

The Crusades and their impact on Aigues-Mortes

The departure of crusaders and pilgrims from Aigues-Mortes strengthened the town’s status as a royal port and a major center of medieval Christendom. The city's architecture, particularly its ramparts and the Tower of Constance, bears witness to this legacy. These fortifications, built under the direction of Louis IX, served both to protect the town from invasions and to oversee the departure of the crusaders. The Tower of Constance, now a symbol of the city's history, played a crucial role during the Crusades, functioning as both a fortification and a watchtower.

Today, Aigues-Mortes continues to celebrate its rich historical heritage. The city's ramparts, its majestic towers, and the Tower of Constance, which still watches over the town, evoke the grandeur of the medieval era and the Crusades. Though the port is now partially silted up, it retains its historical character and continues to attract visitors eager to relive the key moments of this epic past.

Aigues-Mortes invites you to relive the legendary times of Crusades through the Saint-Louis Festival, celebrated every year in August. This event pays tribute to the history of Saint Louis, King of France, and his departure for the Seventh Crusade. The festival brings the Middle Ages back to life with parades in period costumes, chivalry tournaments, activities for all ages, and a grand fireworks display illuminating the ramparts.

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