The Arc de Triomphe Montpellier is also known as the Porte du Peyrou. You cannot miss this historical symbol if you choose to visit this famous French city. If you're interested in history, architecture, and art, read on. Today, we wish to tell you about the story of Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe. Hop on Renfe's AVE (high-speed) France trains, AVE (high-speed) International travelling between Spain and France and just relax. Let's go!
Montpellier is a city in the south of France with an important history. It was founded in the seventh century but began to gain importance from the tenth century onwards.
Currently, it is not only important for its history, but also for its many historical monuments. Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe is just one of them. Its impressive buildings and historic centre are some examples of different artistic movements.
Montpellier is also well known for its huge student population. It has three universities. Finally, there are also many artists, writers, teachers and experts in other fields who were born in Montpellier or studied at its university.
Montpellier is packed with important historical works or art and monuments, which are an essential part of this important city. However, the Arc de Triomphe is probably one of the most important ones.
Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe was designed by the architect François d’Orbay and was built in the late seventeenth century. It can be found next to the aqueduct, near one of the old city wall's gates. Visitors must pass under the arch to enter Montpellier from Peyrou park. It is believed that the architect was inspired by the Saint Denis gate in Paris to design it.
The Arch is found right in front of the Palace of Justice, It was later dedicated to Louis XIV in the early eighteenth century.
Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe was built while taking care of even the smallest of details. Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe was built with a set of colours, symmetry and accuracy to resemble a true work of art. Visitors can climb up, but must be accompanied by a guide. You can enjoy incredible views of the city from the top.
The surface of the Arc de Triomphe is designed in a classical Doric style. That is, the columns rest directly on the base, as in the case of most monuments like this one.
This monument was recognised to pay tribute to Louis XIV at the beginning of the eighteenth century. As a result of this, an inscription and panels were added to refer to the most important events in Louis XIV's life, in the form of an allegory. Louis XIV is depicted as Hercules and there is also an image representing the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, among other images.
The Arc de Triomphe
Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe is just one of the pieces of its historic district. It is surrounded by many other buildings that make up one of the most historically charming cities in France. Some of these monuments are described below.
La Promenade du Peyrou is one of Montpellier's biggest parks. Visitors can find many of the monuments that today are considered some of the most important in Montpellier. The park has a surface area of three hectares. The Place Royale du Peyrou can also be found in this park. It dates back to the late seventeenth century. The Promenade du Peyrou is found next to Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe.
This famous square can be found near Place de la Comédie. Historians date its construction back to the mid eighteenth century. This square is one of the city's many pedestrian areas. It is considered to be the heart of Montpellier. Visitors will find the Opéra Comédie and the Fountain of the Three Grace in this square, which you simply cannot miss if you visit Montpellier.
Montepellier's Palace of Justice is also very close to the Arc de Triomphe. The palace was built between the mid and late nineteenth century and has a neoclassical style.
Saint-Clément Aqueduct is another work of art you cannot miss if you visit Montpellier. It was built in the seventeenth century. It was designed to supply water to Montpellier. It is approximately 800 metres long.
Finally, you can't miss St. Peter's Cathedral if you are visiting Montpellier. St. Peter's Cathedral was built in the fourteenth century and can be found in the historic district. It was first built as a monastery. Nowadays, it is considered as one of the most important buildings in Montpellier. This piece of architecture has very peculiar characteristics. You can't miss it if you love art.
All of these corners and buildings, together with the Arc de Triomphe, make Montpellier a place everyone should visit. Are you interested in French history, architecture, art or culture in general? Montpellier is the place for you.
Renfe's AVE (high-speed) France trains, AVE (high-speed) International will take you to Montpellier. You can travel from Madrid, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Barcelona, Girona or Figueres. You can also travel to many other cities in the south of France in a fast, comfortable and sustainable way, because our Alta Velocidad (high-speed) International have great connections with many of these cities.
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