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Monument · Reims, Grande Leste
Porte de Mars
Roman arch from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, about 32 meters wide: the widest arch in the Roman world. It was one of the gates of Durocortorum, ancient Reims.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Porte de Mars
The Porte de Mars is the oldest monument in Reims. It was built between the late 2nd and the 3rd century, when the city was called Durocortorum and was the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. Of the four large gates of the ancient city, it is the only one that has survived. The name comes from a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war, which stood nearby.
The arch is about 32 meters wide and 12 meters high and is considered the widest in the Roman world. There are three arches: the central one carried the city's main north–south axis used by carts, and pedestrians used the side arches.
Look up under the arcades. In the central arch, carved reliefs show a calendar with agricultural tasks throughout the year, such as the harvest and the grape press. In the east arch appears the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus; according to a local legend, Remus would have founded Reims. In the west arch is the scene of Leda and Jupiter.
The arch has been a listed historic monument since 1840 and underwent a long restoration of its reliefs and stones. It sits in an open square, the Place de la République, and can be seen at any time.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
During the day, to see the reliefs under the arcades clearly. At night the arch is usually illuminated. It's on the route between the station and the Musée de la Reddition.
How to get there
It is on the Place de la République, about 500 meters from the Gare de Reims, roughly a 7-minute walk. The tram stops at the Schneiter station next to it.
Tip
The reliefs are on the vaults of the arcades: stand beneath each one and look up. Combine this visit with the Musée de la Reddition and the Maison Mumm, both a few minutes on foot.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Porte de Mars
Do you have to pay to see the Porte de Mars?
No. The arch is in an open square, the Place de la République, and visiting it is free.
What should you look for on the arch?
The reliefs under the arcades: an agricultural calendar in the central section, the she-wolf with Romulus and Remus on the east, and Leda with Jupiter on the west.
Is the Porte de Mars far from the station?
No. It's about a 7-minute walk from the Gare de Reims, and the tram stops beside it at Schneiter station.