Port of Mars (Roman Triumphal Arch): Overall view

The oldest monument in Reims, the Porte de Mars ('Mars Gate', so called from a temple to Mars in the neighborhood), is a triumphal arch 32 metres long and 13 metres high, consisting of three archways flanked by columns, with a Corinthian order. It dates from the 2nd century CE and is the largest Roman triumphal arch in France. The arch has many highly detailed carvings on its exterior and on the ceilings of its three passageways. It served as a city gate (the north gate) until 1544. In 1817, the buildings around it were removed, bringing the arch into full view.