Porte d'Aix

Porte d'Aix, Marseille (Monuments) — Fig. 01Porte d'Aix© Houss 2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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About Porte d'Aix

The Porte d'Aix, also known as the King's Gate, is a historic triumphal arch on the Place Jules-Guesde in Marseille. Its name comes from its location on the road leading out of town toward Aix-en-Provence. Originally planned under Louis XVI as a monument to peace, the structure was not built until after the Bourbon Restoration and was completed in 1839. The design by architect Michel-Robert Penchaud draws on ancient models such as the Arch of Titus. The arch, about 18 meters (59 feet) high, is articulated by Corinthian columns and pilasters. The sculptural decoration by David d'Angers and Jules Ramey features reliefs of victory trophies and scenes from famous battles, since the original program had to be adapted under the July Monarchy. Eight statues once adorned the columns but were removed because they could not withstand the weather; after the restoration in 2003, only d'Angers's works on the north side were returned. Today the arch is part of an upgraded green space, now that through traffic has been rerouted into a tunnel.

Based on the article “Porte d’Aix” from the German Wikipedia, summarized and rephrased by a language modelLicense CC BY-SA 4.0

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At a glance

Category: Sight › Monuments
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Address: 19 Pl. Jules Guesde
13003 Marseille, France
District: 3rd Arrondissement
Phone: +33826500500
Website: www.marseille-tourisme.com
Email: —
Coordinates: 43.30184° N · 5.37475° E
Data quality: confidence 1.00
Identifier: ID 24385a69-8c6…

Part of the tour

Marseille for Food and Drink Lovers: From Harbor Breakfast to a Speakeasy Night →From the Canebière to Le Panier: Marseille's Old Town on Foot →

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Location & surroundings

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FAQ about Porte d'Aix

quick answers

What is the Porte d'Aix in Marseille?

The Porte d'Aix, also known as the King's Gate, is a historic triumphal arch on Place Jules-Guesde in Marseille. Originally planned under Louis XVI as a monument to peace, the arch was not built until after the Bourbon Restoration and was completed in 1839. It stands about eighteen meters tall and is articulated by Corinthian columns and pilasters.

How did the Porte d'Aix in Marseille get its name, and where is it located?

The Porte d'Aix owes its name to its position on the main road leading out of Marseille toward Aix-en-Provence. You'll find the triumphal arch at 19 Place Jules Guesde in Marseille's 3rd arrondissement. Since through traffic was rerouted into a tunnel, the arch has stood in a spruced-up green space.

Who designed the Porte d'Aix, and what do its reliefs depict?

The Porte d'Aix in Marseille was designed by the architect Michel-Robert Penchaud, modeled on ancient prototypes such as the Arch of Titus in Rome. The sculptural decoration is by David d'Angers and Jules Ramey and features reliefs of victory trophies and scenes from famous battles, because the original iconographic program was modified under the July Monarchy. The eight statues that once stood on the columns were removed due to poor weather resistance; after the 2003 restoration, only the works by David d'Angers on the north side were returned.

What can you visit around the Porte d'Aix in Marseille?

Several museums and monuments lie within walking distance of the Porte d'Aix in Marseille. travelguide195 lists, among others, Place Sadi Carnot about 374 meters away, the Marseille History Museum about 456 meters away, the monumental staircase of Marseille-Saint-Charles station about 470 meters away, and the MuSaMa soap museum about 489 meters away. A bit farther, about 535 meters away, stands the historic Hôtel de Cabre.

Are there restaurants and guided tours at the Porte d'Aix in Marseille?

Yes, the area around the Porte d'Aix in Marseille offers a wide range of dining options: travelguide195 lists around 149 restaurants within 500 meters. The triumphal arch is also a stop on two travelguide195 tours, namely "Marseille for Food Lovers: From Harbor Breakfast to Speakeasy Night" and "From the Canebière to Le Panier: Marseille's Old Town on Foot."

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