FIG. 52. TOWER OF VILLENEUVE.
The passage of the bridge was defended on the right bank by the Tower of Villeneuve, ([Fig. 52]), erected in 1307 by Philippe le Bel, under his architect Rodolphe de Meruel.
Like most of the work of this period, the walls are faced with stones square-dressed, but with the surface left rough. The tower is finished with the usual bold corbelling, machicolations, and angle bartizans, and is surmounted by a lofty watch-turret. It will be observed that the style of this French tower is that of the North, and differs materially from the towers of Avignon above described.
FIG. 53. ORATORY IN CASTLE OF ST ANDRÉ.
In order more completely to protect this part of his domains, Philip constructed, in the end of the thirteenth century, the important fortress of St André, immediately opposite Avignon, and close to the small town of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. This citadel enclosed a large space occupying the summit of a rocky hill, and comprised numerous buildings, including a monastery. The extent of the fortress may be conceived, when it is noticed that enclosed within the walls, in different parts of the large space of vacant ground, may still be seen a convent, with its gardens, and a small town. A portion of the more ancient buildings still survives in the form of a small oratory ([Fig. 53]) of the twelfth century, with polygonal apse, having a circular arcade, and a cornice containing modillions after the classic manner. This great castle had but one gate, which opened to the southwards, on the only accessible side of the site. That gateway ([Fig. 54]) is a splendid specimen of military architecture, having a vaulted archway 13 feet in width, with finely moulded jambs and arches ([Fig. 56]). On either side is a large round tower, crowned with a machicolated parapet ([Fig. 55]). The vaulted passage through the gatehouse was defended at each end with a portcullis and folding gates. The apartments in the towers with round fronts, are large and finely vaulted with pointed groins, and the floors are all paved. The platform on the top is also of pavement resting on the vault below. The whole building is thus put out of danger from fire.