Porte d'Aix

Marseille, France

Porte d'Aix (also known as the Porte Royale) is a triumphal arch in Marseille, marking the old entry point to the city on the road from Aix-en-Provence. The classical design by Michel-Robert Penchaud was inspired by the triumphal arches of the Roman Empire. The Porte d’Aix was initially conceived in 1784 to honour Louis XVI and to commemorate the Peace of Paris (1783) that ended the American Revolutionary War. Following the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1814-15, the project was resumed in 1823, now to commemorate French victories in the Spanish Expedition, notably at the Battle of Trocadero, August 31, 1823. It was eventually completed in 1839, with a more general theme of victory.

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Founded: 1784-1839
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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3.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Bartek (5 months ago)
this arch is a double symbol. on the one hand a symbol of the power of France in the years 1839 and on the other its total collapse of the France of our times. a beautiful work of art destroyed by graffiti, surrounded by garbage and "Frenchmen" dealing drugs, following you in these worse streets and trying to rob you. All this under the symbol of the glory of the French nation... Unfortunately my curiosity led me to this monument. It is because of this arch and the situation under it that we will not forget Marseille for the rest of our lives. sad but true. I advise against venturing into those areas and what is worse the streets beyond. you have to have eyes in the back of your head. It is not safe
Renzo Concha Fernández (7 months ago)
Cool place, not as stunning as the one in Barcelona, unfortunately looks like the people dont take care pf it since it smelled like pis
eleni kayns (7 months ago)
Amazing architecture but a little bit dirty, there was trash almost everywhere around the monument ?
Md Tapon Mahamud Jony (8 months ago)
The project to build a triumphal arch in Marseille dates back to the Ancien Régime. In 1784, the city's aldermen decided to build a triumphal arch in honor of King Louis XVI and to celebrate the end of the American War of Independence. The location of the Porte d'Aix was chosen, which corresponded to the northern gate of the ramparts. But the work was delayed due to procrastination within the municipality. Many street people occupied the place. Very hard for the tourist to take a breath. Be careful if you visit in the night after sunset. Beautiful mosque al Taqwa 2 mins walking distance from here. Must visit and offer salah if you are muslim.
Dimitrios Anagnostakis (2 years ago)
Nice tourist attraction but surrounded area is not clean, rubbish everywhere and the smell..
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