The Porte de Mars is an ancient Roman triumphal arch located in Reims, France, dating back to the third century AD. This monumental gate was one of the widest in the Roman world, with a structure measuring 32 meters long and 13 meters high. It was named after a nearby temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war, and was the only surviving one of the four gates that gave access to the Gallo-Roman town of Durocortorum. Since its construction, it has undergone various changes, becoming part of the castle of the archbishops in 1228, and eventually being rediscovered in 1667 during the early phases of urban renovation.
Today, the Porte de Mars serves as a significant historical landmark. The arch boasts intricate carvings on its exterior and on the ceilings of its three passageways. These carvings depict various scenes, including Romulus and Remus, farm workers, and Leda and the swan. According to local folklore, the inhabitants of Reims built the arch in gratitude when the Romans brought major roads through their city.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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