Gezicht op de Porte des Allemands te Metz before 1894

This photograph by Charles Bernhoeft captures the Porte des Allemands in Metz, a formidable gate with towers and ramparts. Here, we see architecture not just as a structure, but as a bearer of cultural memory. The gate itself, with its strong towers and solid walls, reflects the psychological need for security and defense, a motif found throughout history. This architectural language resonates with ancient fortifications, each stone whispering tales of sieges and protections. Consider, for example, the walls of ancient Troy or the fortresses of medieval Europe. The archway, a constant in fortifications throughout history, symbolizes not only an entrance but also the passage between the known and the unknown, safety and danger. These architectural forms reappear across cultures, each iteration carrying the weight of collective experience. They reveal our continuous, often subconscious, grappling with themes of protection and power. The emotional resonance of these structures is why, even today, we feel a sense of awe and perhaps a touch of unease before them.