The Porte de Mars (Mars Gate) near Place de la République in Reims (map), is the single remaining example of the four monumental Roman gates that once welcomed visitors to the Roman town of Durocortorum, now Reims.

The gate was not a celebration of war, but rather symbolized the "imperial peace that assured the grandeur and happiness" of the end of the 2nd century CE.

Some of the elaborate decoration on the three-arched stone portal is still visible even after 1800 years of wind, rain, and war.

The Porte de Mars is only 400 meters (1/4 mile) northeast of the Gare de Reims, an easy stroll through Hautes Promenades park (map).

Note: The Porte de Mars is under restoration from 2015 until 2020.

In contrast to the peaceful past of the Porte de Mars, a modern memorial to war dead is just across the street.

Reims had significant damage in World War I, and again in World War II. In fact, on May 7, 1945, the declaration of surrender that ended World War II was signed in Reims. More...

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