Open Fire!

The war craft in upheaval

At the beginning of the Munot’s construction in 1564, warfare was radically changing. From the 15 th century older weapons like bows, crossbows and slings were increasingly being replaced by firearms. Unprecedented destructive power became available with new weapons like cannons and grenades.

Both offensive and defensive tactics had to be modified. The walls and chambers were reinforced, large crenels were replaced by narrow slits. In order to achieve as large a firing angle as possible, the latter was flared like a funnel, both inside and out.

Some of the gunports, the one in front of you being one example, were rather ornate in their design. The stepped embrasures were also intended to prevent enemy projectiles from ricocheting inside off the funnel-shaped openings.