Porte de Mars

The Porte de Mars is an ancient Roman triumphal arch located in Reims, France, dating back to the first part of the 3rd 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, the arch has undergone various changes. It became part of the castle of the archbishops in 1228, which was destroyed in 1595, leaving the arch with its openings blocked as part of the city walls. After being rediscovered in 1667, it was not fully revealed until the dismantling of the city walls in 1844-54.

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