Camera: Hasselblad 500C/M     Lens: Zeiss Distagon T* 4/50mm     Film: Agfa RS50     Date: 10.05.1986

Port Narbonnaise, La Cité de Carcassonne, Southern France

The citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. After many centuries of neglect it was restored in the mid-1800s. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a main tourist attraction and the location of many film and TV productions. The fortified city consists essentially of a concentric design of two outer walls with 53 towers. Porte Narbonnaise, the only entry into the Cité by road, is guarded by two towers with projecting beaks and a double barbican (fortified gateway) to hold off assailants. In early May we explored the narrow, winding streets that today are mainly lined by boutiques, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Thankfully, it was not yet as crowded as during the summer months.