In architecture, a machicolation (French: mâchicoulis) is an opening between the supporting corbels of a battlement through which defenders could target attackers who had reached the base of the defensive wall.

The primary benefit of the design allowed defenders to remain behind cover rather than being exposed when leaning over the parapet.

They were common in defensive fortifications until the widespread adoption of gunpowder weapons made them obsolete.

[2][page needed] The oldest known buildings with machicolation are Ancient Roman fortifications of the Limes Arabicus dating from the 4th century AD.

One of the oldest extant examples of machicolation in northern France is at Château de Farcheville which was built from 1290 to 1304.