The guard gate
Built against the massive steep wall on the left, the guard gate on the right towers over an abyss. In case of siege, the windows were closed with iron-framed shutters.
A broken stone staircase inside the gate leads outside to a small rock plateau from which stone blocks could be hurled at attackers.
The roof was covered with incombustible stone shingles.
The Nautor
The gate takes its name from the Middle High German nau, small ship, because its ground plan is like a ship's prow enthroned above the abyss.
The path to the gate is very narrow and is thus meant to keep enemies away.
The angel gate
Following the second gate, the Guardian Gate and the Nautical Gate as the third gate, the Angel Gate shows its impressive presence.
The Angel Gate, whose first fortifications date back to the 12th century, was built on an isolated group of rocks and is accessible on both sides only by bridges. The construction is its own fortress, which leads to the conclusion that this gate was its own outer castle. It was not until 1577 that the last extension was completed.
The keystone shows the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the Guard. The gate wings are decorated with angel heads in all colours. The battle stand to the right does not allow an unhindered attack.
