![[ Main gate and Queen's Tower ]](annecy6.jpg)
View of Main gate and Queen's Tower, Le Château D'Annecy
The main gate used to be protected with a front courtyard, surrounded by walls and an additional gate coming out at right angles to the present gate. The current gate was fully restored in 1869. This replaced a damaged molasse construction. The restoration and transformation work carried out over the last century has destroyed the main facade's historical accuracy. The covered walk with its watchtower dates back to the 1564, replacing earlier construction mentioned in 1430.
The Queen's Tower is the oldest building in the castle. It is the centerpiece of the entire castle, with four-meter thick walls (originally without ground-floor openings) and two-meter wide loops which could hold four men at a time. It was built during the 13th century and supported the walls of a primitve stronghold which had a covered walk along the top, connecting the towers on one level. The lower floors were reached by trapdoors and ladders, similar to the keeps of other castles. In the 14th century, the tower was known as "The Great Tower". The name "Queen's Tower" can be traced back no further than the 18th century.
From here, you can take another look at the main gate, or you can go into the castle to see the courtyard, or you can walk around the outside and take a look at the towers.