To penetrate the upper town of Vaison-la-Romaine, one passed through a fortified gate from the 14th century dominated by the belfry tower (photo). The drawbridge, the large gate, and the portcullis that protected the entrance were operated from the guard room established under the tower. The medieval city, mostly built with reused materials from the ancient constructions of the valley, was terraced behind this door on about 7.5 acres (3 ha) according to an irregular grid of cobbled streets.