© Carole Raddato
The Porte Mars is an ancient Roman triumphal arch in Reims, France. It dates from the third century AD, and was the widest arch in the Roman world. At the time of its construction, Porte de Mars would have been one of four arches which would have led to the Gallo-Roman settlement of Durocortorum, as Reims was then known.
The Arch is 32 metres long and 13 metres high. It consists of three arches with eight Corinthian columns. It was named after a nearby temple to Mars. The arch has many highly detailed carvings on its exterior and on the ceilings of its three passageways. The ceilings are adorned with friezes portraying ancient legends, including that of Remus and Romulus and Leda and the Swan.
The arch served as a city gate until 1544. In 1817, the buildings around it were removed, bringing the arch into full view.
The arch is located at the northern extremity of Rue de Mars (north of the town hall), a 5 minutes’ walk from the train station.
Further photos can be viewed from my image collection on Flickr.
Beautiful!