This defensive work, which bears the old name of the church, was part of the ramparts that protected Ménerbes and was one of the entrances to the village. In the past, the village had other entrances, including the Porte Notre-Dame or “Porte du Midi” demolished in the 19th century.

The Saint-Sauveur gate is a 16th century achievement, as specified by the defensive elements (fire mouths) as well as the treatment of the masonry. It was once topped by a lookout terrace and flanked by a harbor master's office.

In 1573, during the Wars of Religion, it was through this opening that the Protestants entered to take the village and occupy it for a period of five years.