La Porte d’Aix in Marseille

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At the junction of Marseille’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd arrondissements, the Porte d’Aix stands proudly on Place Jules-Guesde. This impressive triumphal arch was built on the site of one of the old gates in the city walls, which once opened onto the road to Aix-en-Provence – hence its name.

The Roman tradition of triumphal arches

Triumphal arches have their origins in ancient Rome. These monumental structures, consisting of one or more arched spans spanning a road, were erected to celebrate great military victories or to commemorate significant events in the life of the Empire.

In Rome, a triumphal arch symbolised, in particular, the purification of the armies following a victorious war. It was also used to commemorate the exploits of generals, the accession of a new emperor to the throne, the death of a member of the imperial family, or the opening of a major transport route.

This tradition gradually spread throughout the Roman Empire. Several towns still preserve remarkable examples, such as Orange in Provence. In France, the most famous is undoubtedly the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, which dominates the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The Porte d’Aix draws its inspiration from this architectural heritage.

The Porte d’Aix, a relatively recent triumphal arch

Plans for the Arc de Triomphe date back to 1784, when the city councillors decided to build a triumphal arch in honour of Louis XVI, the victorious ally in the American War of Independence. The location of the Porte d’Aix was chosen following a decision by the town council.

However, the project was abandoned during the French Revolution, before being revived during the Restoration in the 1820s. On the initiative of the Marquis de Montgrand, Mayor of Marseille, the Arc de Triomphe this time commemoratedthe campaign of Louis de France, who had restored the absolute power of Ferdinand VII of Spain in Madrid.

Completed in 1839, during the reign of Louis Philippe I, the Porte d’Aix thus pays tribute to the victories of the French army during the Spanish expedition of 1823. The name ‘Porte d’Aix’ refers to the former existence of a gate in the ramparts through which the road linking Marseille to Aix-en-Provence passed.

A monumental arch in the classical style

The Porte d’Aix is modelled on the Arch of Titus, built in Rome in 84 AD. It is of monumental proportions, standing 18 metres high. On the front and sides, one can see depictions of the battles of Austerlitz, Fleurus and Heliopolis. The arch has changed over time, particularly in terms of its statues. These, standing nearly three metres tall, were carved from stone – a brittle material – and eventually collapsed onto the public highway in 1937. The Parisian sculptor Marneuf was commissioned to create the ornamental carvings for the triumphal arch on Place Jules-Guesde. He drew inspiration from the decoration of the ancient triumphal arch in Orange. In 1982, the arch was listed as a historic monument.

A landscaped park on Place Jules Guesde

Long surrounded by major roads, the Porte d’Aix arch has been enhanced by a 3,500 m² landscaped garden. It is a pleasant place to stroll, featuring numerous Mediterranean plant species, around a hundred trees and a children’s playground. A true green oasis, this park owes its creation to landscape architect Alfred Peter. The project is primarily student-focused, with the aim of creating an American-style campus.